Human Rights – Drug and Alcohol Testing
Testing employees is controversial. Random testing for alcohol and drugs is not acceptable, even for those in a safety-sensitive position. Exceptions to testing are rare, but do exist.
As an employer, you are required accommodate a dependence on alcohol or drugs up to the point that it doesn’t cause undue hardship to you or the workplace. This may look like flexible shifts to allow the employee to participate in a recovery program, or placing the employee in a less safety-sensitive position.
NOTE: Recreational use of drugs or alcohol is not protected. The Human Rights Act protects those who have a dependency of drugs and alcohol, which is considered a disability.
Source: PEI Human Rights Commission