Major Media Dodges Precedent Setting Drug Case

The story appeared in the same issue of The Vancouver Province, newspaper as did the crack pipe story. It appeared on page A24, which is about as buried as a story can be. In 2002, one John Chiasson (I think I did time with this guy), was fired from his job at the Alberta tar sands project for the crime of being exposed to pot smoke sometime in the past 45 days. He tested positive. The court ruled that people that use drugs are a safety risk and that it was no different than if it were a cab or truck driver. I don't know who Mr. Chaisson had for a Lawyer but the story doesn't mention the disparity between a test for pot and say a test for alcohol. I see no mention of the fact that Mr.Chaisson may have been inadvertently exposed or that he'd perhaps smoked at a send off party a month or more before. That doesn't mean that all this wasn't brought up. It does mean that the court ignored or was not informed of the possibility. This is a precedent setting case and is a major concern for anyone seeking employment in Canada. This case must be appealed; to the supreme court, if necessary. The Alberta human rights commission is considering an appeal. I would like to suggest that every Canadian that smokes a little bud or goes to parties where it is being smoked: write or E-mail to the Alberta Human Rights Watchdog. I will do all I can to provide an address as soon as I can.Try Googling the keys and please, write.This will affect the lives of every Canadian that's ever exposed to pot smoke. Even if it's at the bus stop.