Marijuana in the Worplace

As the federal government proceeds with legalization and regulation of cannabis, it is important for employers to understand the implications for the workplace, both in terms of medical and non-medical usage. Join us for a discussion from a panel of experts offering perspectives on occupational health and safety, legal and employee benefits considerations for employers. 

Halifax: Holiday Inn St. John's, April 27th   

Registration & Breakfast: 8:15am – 9:00am
Presentations: 9:00am to 10:30am

Presenters:

Alex Boucher, Mercer
Anne Marie Smith, Medavie Blue Cross
Harold Smith, Stewart McKelvey 

Registration Fees  

Speaker Bios:

Alex Boucher
Total Health Management Leader and Principal
Mercer Canada

Alex has been active in the Health and Wellness field for over 15 years. His career history includes direct leadership responsibility for Health, Disability, Benefits and Wellness operations for unionized clients with over 50,000 lives, national and multinational corporations from 50-12,000 lives, as well as small and large private companies, as well as federal and provincial government departments. He has a successful track record in enabling teams composed of high performing, independent professionals, to achieve great results through his direct leadership and vision. 

A recognized expert in wellness, attendance support, mental health, disability management and workplace accommodation, Alex’s experience includes collaborating for success with employers, unions and communities to provide tangible, measurable results. He has been a sought after presenter on a variety of topics including mental health, workplace health and wellness, disability management and attendance support at regional and national conferences hosted by Medavie Blue Cross, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Human Resources Association of New Brunswick, Contact Atlantic, the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada, and others.            

Overall Alex continues to dedicate his career to improving the productivity, health and well-being of clients, colleagues and the public at large, through collaborative practice with measurable, repeatable results that enhance organizations, their retention, and success.

Anne Marie Smith
Practice Leader - Drug Plan Solutions
Medavie Blue Cross

Anne-Marie Smith is a Pharmacist Consultant with Medavie Blue Cross, which includes working directly with clients on drug plan management.  This important role includes identifying trends and opportunities for plan management and to act as a consultant on specific issues either as it relates to a specific drug claim or new products entering the marketplace.  Prior to joining Medavie Blue Cross, Anne-Marie’s experience included working with Assured Health (now Telus) as the Regional Vice-President, Johnson and Johnson and with a national pharmacy chain. 

Harold Smith, QC
Partner
Stewart McKelvey

Harold exclusively represents employers in all aspects of labour relations, employment and administrative law. He has assisted various Newfoundland and Labrador Governments in bargaining for collective agreements with police, prison wardens and teachers. He has been the chief negotiator for agreements with several of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador major industries such as mining and fishing, offshore support, hospitality and retail sectors. He acts for several of the province’s major municipalities and is part of a team providing strategic planning on labour and employment issues for the developing offshore oil industry. Harold is a contributor to the Dalhousie Law Journal, Member of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers.  He was admitted to the Newfoundland Bar in 1978; appointed QC in 2002, elected as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (2013), recognized by Best Lawyers, Lexpert, International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers (Labour and Employment) for several years named litigation star by Benchmark Canada.