TTC Fitness for Duty update

Legalization of recreational cannabis

On June 18, 2018, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-45, which allowed for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada. On October 17, 2018, Canadians over the age of 18 will be able to purchase recreational cannabis across the country. The legalization of cannabis does not negate the expectation that TTC employees must come to work fit for duty at all times.

The TTC currently tests for THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, in its urine and oral fluid drug testing. Oral fluid drug testing is primarily used in the TTC’s post-incident, reasonable cause and random drug tests.

The TTC uses an expert-recommended cut-off level of 10 ngs/ml. The oral fluid cut-off level and testing of THC will remain unchanged after legalization takes place. As a test method, oral fluid testing combined with the recommended cut-off level will indicate recent usage of cannabis. It is only meant to detect cannabis usage that would affect someone’s ability to work safely, not whether they use it in their free time.

Prior to the legalization date, the TTC will continue to provide information to employees through corporate notices, updated FFD Policy, FAQs and revised employee booklets.

For more information on the TTC’s Fitness for Duty Policy: Program Lead – Fitness for Duty – Peter Bartz 416-206-3169, FitnessForDuty@ttc.ca, or Program Assistant – Fitness for Duty – Maria Delgado – 416-397-8896.

If you believe you may be suffering from a substance use disorder associated with cannabis or any other substance, there is support available. You may contact Shelley Waterman at 416-393-6112 or Shelley.Waterman@ttc.ca through TTC’s Occupational Health and Claims Department, confidentially. Confidential counselling is available through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) at 1-800-572-0039.

Megan MacRae
Executive Director, HR
August 8, 2018