The RCMP has relaxed its policy on cannabis use by members, saying only that they must be fit for duty when reporting for work.
The new drug use policy is the latest in 2018 to require frontline police officers and many other employees in “safety-sensitive” positions to refrain from recreational marijuana use for four weeks before work. It replaces rules.
The changes, implemented earlier this month, bring Mounties in line with many other police forces regarding cannabis use among their employees.
The National Police Federation, which represents about 20,000 RCMP members, welcomed the move, saying the previous policy was “not consistent with the police community.”
A recent statement from the federation’s president, Brian Sauvé, said the union committee has been advocating for a review and modernization of cannabis policy since 2020.
The RCMP confirmed last summer that the 2018 policy was under consideration and no final decision had been made.
A spring 2023 briefing note prepared for RCMP Commissioner Michael Duhem recommended limiting cannabis use for 24 hours before reporting to work, with some exceptions.
A briefing memo obtained by The Canadian Press last year said, “Police agencies that initially had zero tolerance or 28-day limits are now imposing fitness-for-duty or 24-hour abstinence requirements, or a combination of both. or is moving in that direction.” Through the Access to Information Act.
The police federation has advised the RCMP that one of the most frequently asked questions during recruitment sessions relates to recreational cannabis use policies, the memo added.
The new policy states that all RCMP employees must be fit to perform their duties and responsibilities and must not be impaired by drugs, alcohol or other substances while on duty or on duty. It is stipulated that
The policy, posted on the RCMP’s website in January, states: “Drug use can have a negative impact on job performance, behavior, work environment, and the well-being of the user and others, and the police service may compromise the safety and security of 11.
It adds that the risk of injury from substances such as cannabis varies depending on the person, usage pattern and product quality.
As a result, failures “can vary from user to user and from usage episode to usage episode. The most effective way to avoid safety risks is to refrain from use.”
The RCMP said it considered all aspects of the force’s operations when developing the new policy.
“RCMP members work in unique operating environments across Canada as first responders in rural and remote communities and may be recalled to duty at any time,” the policy reads.
The RCMP had no immediate comment on the new policy.
The policy excludes underwater divers and pilots, who must comply with the requirements of professional governing bodies, Sauve’s statement said.
