Canada's Workplace Impairment and Drug Testing Forum
Drug and alcohol testing is one of the most legally fraught, most misunderstood policies in the Canadian workplace. Most employers only start asking questions after something's already gone wrong.
is presented by Canada's workplace media brands
Under the Influence brings HR, legal and safety experts together for one focused virtual event. No travel, no full day away from your desk: just the questions employers are actually asking, answered by the people who deal with them for a living.
From when you can test (and when you can't), to recognizing impairment on the job, to the hardest call of all, accommodate or discipline, this is a practical playbook, not another legal seminar.
Can't attend every session live? That's OK. Your registration includes unlimited on-demand viewing of the recordings.
Employment and labour lawyers advising on testing policies, human rights exposure and privacy risk.
HR professionals and employers building, or defending, a workplace testing program and navigating the line between accommodation and discipline.
Safety managers responsible for fitness for duty and responding to impairment on the job.
We're working on finalizing the agenda. Stay tuned!
Nadine Wentzell, Nadine Wentzell Consulting
Shane Buchanan takes employers through the full arc of an impairment case, from fitness-for-duty concerns to a positive result. He'll cover where OHS, human rights, privacy and employment law meet, what makes a position safety-sensitive, when each type of testing holds up, and how to tell culpable misconduct from addiction when the duty to accommodate applies.
Shane Buchanan, MLT Aikins LLP
Brian Johnston, K.C., Stewart McKelvey
This presentation will cover an employer’s obligations when accommodating substance use disorders in the workplace, including the duty to inquire, the collection of medical information, and the implementation of accommodations. It will also address the point at which accommodation efforts may amount to undue hardship.
April Kosten, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Norm Keith, ADR Chambers
All times ET. Session titles and times may change as speakers are confirmed.
Employment lawyers, HR leaders and safety experts who deal with testing and impairment for a living. More speakers to be announced.
Keynote
Nadine Wentzell Consulting
Nadine is committed to building practical, effective and industry-specific workplace drug and alcohol policies and programs customized to your workplace realities. She has worked with unionized and non-unionized businesses and organizations in the private, public and academic sectors across Canada, the U.S. and internationally. With more than 25 years of practical experience in this field, Nadine is Canada’s subject-matter expert on addressing the impacts of substance use in the workplace.
Session 1
Labour and Employment Lawyer, MLT Aikins LLP
Shane Buchanan has a CPHR designation and practises management-side labour and employment law, representing and advising employers on a broad range of workplace matters. His practice includes collective agreements, discipline, occupational health and safety (OHS), workers' compensation, employment standards, human rights and the duty to accommodate.
Session 2
Partner, Stewart McKelvey
Brian works with virtually every type of employer in Canada, in a wide variety of industries including transportation, manufacturing, construction, mining, financial services, universities, health care, telecommunications, retail and utilities. His work has included:
Session 3
Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
April Kosten is a Chambers and Lexpert Ranked leading labour and employment lawyer in Canada. She is recognized as one of Canada’s leading authorities on workplace alcohol and drug testing. She is frequently called on by organizations to design and implement compliant drug and alcohol policies, including from a cross border perspective. April has extensive advocacy experience at all levels of courts and before labour relations boards, arbitration panels and human rights tribunals. Beyond her practice, April is an active contributor to the legal and business community. She regularly speaks and writes on workplace law developments.
Session 4
Mediator, Arbitrator and Investigator, ADR Chambers
Norm Keith is a Canadian employment, labour and regulatory lawyer who provides mediation, arbitration and workplace investigation services through ADR Chambers. His practice has spanned workplace safety, human rights, wrongful dismissal, labour relations and regulatory defence. He has appeared before courts and tribunals at all levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Norm has authored 15 books on subjects including occupational health and safety, workplace alcohol and drug testing, corporate crime and corruption. He advises on corporate governance, employment contracts, HR policies and investigations. He holds law degrees from Osgoode Hall Law School and an economics degree from York University.
Hosted by Todd Humber, publisher and editor-in-chief, HR Law Canada, HR News Canada and Safety News Canada
One registration covers the full afternoon live and unlimited access to the recordings after the event. Early-bird pricing ends Dec. 1.
One attendee
plus tax
Rises to $199 plus tax on Dec. 2, 2026
Up to 10 people, one organization
plus tax
Rises to $499 plus tax on Dec. 2, 2026
Registration takes about a minute. You'll get a confirmation right away and your joining link by email before the event.
Under the Influence is presented jointly across HR News Canada, HR Law Canada and Safety News Canada. Sponsors reach the lawyers, HR leaders and safety professionals who decide when to test, what to do with the result and how to defend it.
It's a natural fit for employment law firms, drug and alcohol testing providers, occupational health services and employee assistance programs.
The half-day format fits how professionals attend: one sitting, no travel, one registration. Every registrant receives the recording, so sponsor exposure continues well after the live event.
plus tax
plus tax
plus tax
Talk to publisher Todd Humber: todd.humber@northwallmedia.com
We're looking for employment lawyers, HR practitioners and safety and occupational health experts with practical Canadian experience. Sessions run 45 minutes including Q&A, as solo talks or point-counterpoint. No panels.
You'll get a confirmation email when you register, and your joining link by email before the event. All you need is a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Register anyway. Every registrant receives the full recording to watch on demand.
One team registration covers up to 10 people from the same organization. You'll be asked for your colleagues' names and email addresses so each person gets their own joining link.
Early-bird pricing ($99 plus tax individual, $299 plus tax team) ends Dec. 1. From Dec. 2, 2026, prices rise to $199 plus tax and $499 plus tax.
A receipt is emailed automatically when you register. For invoicing or other payment questions, contact sales@northwallmedia.com.
Yes. Email sales@northwallmedia.com with the new attendee's name and email address before the event.
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