Human Rights Commission has revised Policy on Alcohol and Drug Testing

The Canadian Human Rights Commission has revised its Policy on Alcohol and Drug Testing.

The Commission recognizes that the inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs can have serious adverse effects on a person’s health, job performance and workplace safety. Safety is important to employees and employers. However, safety must be ensured in ways that do not discriminate against employees on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination. Workplace rules and standards that have no demonstrable relationship to job safety and performance have been found to violate an employee’s human rights.

This policy focuses on the proper and improper use of employment related drug and alcohol testing. The Commission recognizes that the issues surrounding alcohol and drug abuse are complex, including the causes and effects of alcohol and drug use, the high co-occurrence of addictions and mental illness, and the challenges and stigma facing those who are dependent. Addressing these issues is important, but fall outside the scope of this policy.

Related posts:

1. Speech by Secretary General of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
2. Canadian Human Rights Commission Tables Special Report
3. Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amendment Act, 2009
4. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2008-2009
5. NFLD: Consultation on Amendments to Human Rights Code

Tags: alcohol and drug abuse, canadian human rights, Human Rights