Metrolinx workers who consume cannabis in any form - even while off the job - may be prohibited from using it as of February 1.
According to a new policy which was published in the Toronto Star on Friday, Metrolinx president and CEO Phil Verster said any employee who works in a 'safety sensitive position' - interpreted to mean a GO train or bus operator - must abstain from using the substance.
Just prior to cannabis legalization in October 2018, the transit agency stated that all employees must be able to “safely and acceptably perform assigned duties without limitations resulting from (but not limited to) alcohol, drugs, and/or medications.”
Approximately 3,700 people work for Metrolinx, which does not have a random drug and alcohol testing program like that of the TTC.
However, the company's policies allow for testing should officials find a worker in a safety sensitive position is "unfit for duty" - or if that worker is linked an incident that causes injury or death.
- with files from CP24