EMSB adopts new policy on Possession and /or Consumption of Cannabis

The English Montreal School Board has adopted a new policy on the Possession and/or Consumption of Cannabis.

In view of  the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, the EMSB intends to namely protect the health and safety of its students, employees, elected representatives, volunteers as well as all users of any of the board’s establishments, including its grounds, premises and buildings.

Possession and/or consumption of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited to any person present in any EMSB establishments. Furthermore, possession and/or consumption of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited to any person performing his duties as representative of the EMSB. Finally, possession and/or consumption of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited to any person driving or having the care and/or control of a vehicle owned, rented or otherwise used by the EMSB, its students and employees. 

This policy applies to: all  EMSB employees; adult students, parents and visitors of any EMSB establishments, including its grounds, premises and buildings;  any elected representative, volunteer and person responsible for supervising or monitoring the activities of the EMSB; and any educational and/or business partners of the EMSB, their affiliated organizations, employees, representatives or sub-contractors.

This policy applies at all time, including during any activity organized by the EMSB, its departments, representatives, schools or centres in any EMSB establishments, including its grounds, premises and buildings.

The EMSB may take disciplinary measures and/or other measures against any employee and/or individual who violates the terms and prescriptions of the present policy.

The complete policy can be accessed on the EMSB website.

Policy on the Possession and/or Consumption of Cannabis

At the school level the EMSB has a Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant, Sandrine Aschour. She acts as a liaison between public health agencies and the EMSB where drug and alcohol prevention is concerned.

Ms. Aschour said the EMSB will treat marijuana like alcohol. “Yes, you can drink alcohol but you can’t come to work when you’re under the influence of alcohol,” she said. “So it’s going to be the same thing. Yes, you can smoke marijuana, but do not bring that to school. That’s the approach we’re going to take.”

The EMSB has partnerships with community groups like Chabad Lifeline and Portage. Parents and students are not alone if they are dealing with substance abuse issues.

Most recently, EMSB commissioners and senior management took part in a workshop on cannabis facilitated by labour lawyer Michael D. Grodinsky from the firm of Bordner Ladner Gervais.