Introduction
The First Nations University of Canada (“FNUniv” or the “University”) is committed to fostering a safe and responsible environment for FNUniv students, staff, faculty, Elders and visitors as it relates to Smoking, Alcohol, Cannabis and other substance use. FNUniv is a proponent of being informed with respect to Lawful Substances and encourages members of the University community to be aware of the impact of substances on their own health and well-being, as well as that of those around them.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- provide a framework to establish guidelines, understanding and expectations regarding Smoking and the use of Alcohol, Cannabis and other Lawful Substances by members of the FNUniv community;
- create an environment that promotes and supports the health, safety and well-being of members of the FNUniv community;
- minimize risk to others, including (but not limited to) exposure to second-hand smoke and smoke or vapours containing hazardous chemicals;
- provide education related to Smoking, Alcohol, Cannabis, and other substance use in a transparent and accessible manner so as to assist individuals in making healthy choices; and
- ensure compliance with all applicable municipal, provincial and federal legislation and regulations.
Scope
This policy applies to all FNUniv students, staff, faculty, Elders and visitors working, studying, or participating in activities on University Property, or while acting as representatives of FNUniv while off University Property.
Indigenous spiritual or cultural practices or ceremonies are exempt from this Policy but shall comply with the FNUniv Smudging and Pipe Ceremonies Policy.
Definitions
Alcohol
Refers to beer, wine and distilled spirits, and any medication that includes intoxicating agents containing alcohol in a concentration of one half of one percent (0.5%) or more.
Cannabis
Any product or substance derived from cannabis plants, including but not limited to leaves, buds, extractions, oils and edibles, or any substance that is identical to any phytocannaboid produced by a cannabis plant.
Illicit Substance
Refers to any illegal drug or substance whose use, sale, possession, purchase or transfer is restricted or prohibited by law.
Lawful Substance
Includes substances an individual may lawfully use or possess, including but not limited to Alcohol, Cannabis, Medication, aerosols or other products that when used, may result in cognitive or physical impairment or limitations that may negatively impact capacity or performance on the job or during periods of study.
Medication
Refers to a drug obtained legally, either over the counter or through a doctor’s prescription.
Property
Includes University owned or leased properties, buildings, parking lots, campuses and/or vehicles.
Smoking
Refers to the use of cigarettes, bidis, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and all electronic smoking products, which include all vaporizing devices used for nicotine, tobacco and Cannabis. Smoking does not refer to the use of smoke in sacred Indigenous ceremonies, such as smudging and pipe ceremonies.
Policy Statements
The policy states the following:
Consumption and Locations
- Consumption of any Lawful Substance is prohibited on University Property, unless otherwise allowed under this Policy.
- FNUniv will designate various locations across campuses (the “Designated Areas”) where Smoking and Alcohol consumption by staff, faculty, Elders, students, and visitors may be permitted.
- Any individual Smoking in a Designated Area must do so in a respectful manner, minimize the risk to others of exposure to smoke, and ensure that any cigarette butts or other garbage produced from Smoking is disposed of in a safe manner in the provided receptacles.
- Alcohol is only permitted in the specific locations designated on any liquor permit that FNUniv might have from time to time. It is not permissible to serve any other Lawful Substance on University Property.
- Cannabis consumption is not permitted by any individual on University Property, unless otherwise allowed under this Policy.
- Lawful Substances cannot be consumed by those under legal age, as defined by provincial legislation, unless such consumption is under the supervision and/or prescription of a medical professional.
- The possession, manufacture, use, exchange, sale or transfer of all Illicit Substances on University Property at any time is strictly prohibited.
Safety and Risk Management
- The following applies to FNUniv management, staff, faculty and Elders:
- FNUniv requires that all management, staff, faculty and Elders report to work fit to perform their duties, and remain fit to perform their duties, and able to function free from the effects and after-effects of Lawful Substances or Illicit Substances.
- Management, staff, faculty and Elders may use Lawful Substances (in accordance with this Policy) that do not interfere with the individual’s ability to work or perform their duties and which substances are being used as directed or prescribed by an attending/treating medical professional.
- It is the responsibility of every individual when taking any Lawful Substance that is prescribed by a physician to review their job duties with their attending/treating medical professional to confirm that the use of the Lawful Substance will not impair the safe and efficient performance of the duties and assignments, or otherwise cause the individual not to be fit for work.
- Management, staff, faculty and Elders must refrain from the use of any Lawful Substance during the performance of their duties, if such individual performs duties whereby maintaining the safety of themselves and/or other members of the FNUniv community is a requirement. This includes positions where any impaired performance, impaired motor skills, lack of judgment or momentary lapse of attention could result in an incident affecting the health, safety and well-being of a member of the University community or result in property damage.
- In order to foster a safe and healthy learning environment, students are expected to be free from impairment of Lawful Substances or Illicit Substances when attending scheduled learning activities, except as authorized or prescribed by a medical professional
- FNUniv strongly discourages any student, manager, staff, faculty, Elder, or visitor to the University from driving while impaired by a Lawful Substance or Illicit Substance. The University will take appropriate measures, including calling local authorities, if a member of the FNUniv community operates, or attempts to operate, a motor vehicle while impaired by a Lawful Substance or Illicit Substance.
Cannabis Consumption for Medical Purposes
- The following applies to FNUniv staff, faculty and Elders:
- Staff, faculty and Elders who use Cannabis for medical purposes (as strictly prescribed by a medical professional) may access their Medicine on FNUniv Property in a discreet and safe manner, and in Designated Areas where Smoking is permitted.
- Such use of Cannabis for medical purposes must not interfere with the individual’s ability to work or perform their duties.
- Individuals who use Cannabis for medical purposes must refrain from sharing any Cannabis with any other person who intends to consume it for recreational purposes.
Addiction Issues and Employee Assistance
- The University understands that substance abuse can result in an individual experiencing serious difficulties, both personally and professionally. FNUniv recognizes a duty to accommodate management, staff, faculty and Elders as it relates to addiction issues.
- Individuals who are concerned that they may suffer from a dependency on a substance of any kind are urged to seek appropriate medical treatment.
- FNUniv treats accommodation requests relating to addiction issues very seriously and will use best efforts to support the accommodation process. Individuals that are affected by substance use issues that impair their ability to perform work effectively and safely are expected to disclose such information that relates to a workplace accommodation. No individual who is struggling with addiction issues will be disciplined because of the disclosure of such issues or involvement in rehabilitation efforts.
- Any individual who is struggling with addiction issues will be referred to the Employee and Family Assistance Program. FNUniv may require an individual who seeks, or is undergoing, treatment to enter into a return-to-work program or agreement, a requirement of which may be that the employee submit to periodic testing for Lawful Substances or Illicit Substances.
- A student who wishes to access an academic accommodation related to a substance use issue is directed to contact Student Success Services.
Roles and Responsibilities
Students and Visitors
- Responsible for understanding and complying with this Policy, and any applicable legislation and regulation that relate to Smoking, Alcohol, Lawful Substance and Illicit Substance use.
- Accountable for their own decisions regarding Smoking, and use of Alcohol, Cannabis and other substances.
- Expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner while on University Property
Faculty, Staff and Elders
- Responsible for understanding and complying with this Policy, and any applicable legislation and regulation that relate to Smoking, Alcohol, Lawful Substance and Illicit Substance use.
- Encouraged to be alert to signs of impairment of students within the course of their studies, and to address such situations as appropriate.
- As representatives of FNUniv, responsible to conduct themselves in such a way that reflects well on FNUniv and the broader community.
Management
- Responsible for administering, understanding and complying with this Policy, and any applicable legislation and regulation that relate to Smoking, Alcohol, Lawful Substance and Illicit Substance use.
- Responsible for the training and education of staff and faculty on this Policy, and other applicable resources.
- Responsible for being alert to signs of impairment within the workplace and addressing such situations as appropriate.
- Responsible for supporting the accommodation process for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse issues, as best determined by Human Resources and the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Consequences for Noncompliance
As the health and safety of the FNUniv community is of paramount importance, engaging in activities that are in violation of the law or of this Policy may result in disciplinary action being taken against the individual, including, without limitation, academic consequences, compliance monitoring, referral to a treatment program, termination of employment and/or legal action.
Related Information
- Smudging and Pipe Ceremonies Policy
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