CALEB NICKERSON
CLARENDON Oct. 17, 2018
Later this month, local business owners will have the opportunity to learn about how the new laws regarding cannabis affect them.
The Pontiac Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session along with their annual general meeting on Oct. 25 at the Little Red Wagon Winery.
Tyler Pirie, a subject matter expert in the field of substance use and mental health, will be giving a presentation on legal cannabis following the Chamber’s annual general meeting. His talk will cover everything that local entrepreneurs and employers will need to know about the changes to the law.
“Right now, the employers, there’s so much where we don’t know what our legal rights are,” explained Chamber member Gord Black, who helped organize the presentation. “I think it’s very important for the Chamber, that all our businesses know what their responsibilities are. We thought it would be a good thing for all the businesses in the Pontiac.”
Pirie developed his expertise by working for organizations such as the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (though he was clear that he is not representing, or speaking on behalf of either organization).
He has presented on a variety of topics related to substance use and mental health, in universities as well as business settings.
He said that his talk would provide a basic overview of the effects, user demographics and prevalence of cannabis in Canada, as well as the key takeaways from the federal and provincial legislation.
“I got into this field because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of Canadians and figured this was a great opportunity to do just that – share important information and insight with local businesses to help them navigate, and adapt to the new legislation,” Pirie wrote in an email.
He will also be delving into workplace policies and employer readiness, as well as the dos and don’ts when it comes to handling substance use among employees.
“Employers seem to be most concerned with safety and employee impairment,” he wrote. “Though worries about the numerous financial impacts this legislation might have are also high on the list.”
For more information, contact info@pontiacchamberofcommerce.ca or 819 647-2312.
