Fitness For Duty Summit

Fitness For Duty Summit 2026

Welcome to the 9th Annual Fitness For Duty Summit! We are excited to be hosting today's virtual event on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Agenda

Times are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

10:00 AM: Opening Remarks

10:15 AM: Oral Fluid Testing in the Workplace: A Modern Approach to Detecting Recent Drug Use - Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler

11:30 AM: Managing a Changed Workforce - Dr. Linda Duxbury

12:30 PM: Break

1:00 PM: Myths, Facts, and the Law: Navigating Impairment in Canada - Constable Curtis Steinke

2:00 PM: Rethinking Fitness for Duty: What Recent Legal Cases Mean for Employers - Melissa Roth

3:00 PM: Panel Discussion: Real-World Strategies for Managing Fitness for Duty in Today's Workplace - Michael MacDonald, John L. Martin Jr., Shawn Monahan and David Rost

4:00 PM: Closing Remarks

What is Fitness For Duty Summit (FFDS)?

FFDS is an invaluable source of knowledge and practical insights for leaders in safety sensitive/safety critical workplaces, including trucking, transit, transportation, aviation, rail, marine, mining, oil & gas, construction, forestry, energy, manufacturing and healthcare.

This year, our experts will address topical workplace challenges employers face and provide insight on how to create a healthy and safe work environment, giving you the tools to be the spark that ignites change within your organization.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn and transform your organization. Join us as we unite professionals from across Canada in building a healthier and safer world!

Professional Development Hours

HRPA — Certified for 5.25 Continuing Professional Development Hours.

BCRSP certification badge from the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals — 5.25 course hours are eligible for BCRSP CPD points.

Speakers and Presentations

Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler

MD, CCFP(AM), MRO (AAMRO), DABAM, FASAM, Chief Medical Review Officer, DriverCheck Inc. Physician, Addiction Medicine

Dr. Snider-Adler is the Chief Medical Review Officer for DriverCheck and practices as an Addiction Medicine Physician. She is certified by The American Board of Addiction Medicine and has a Certificate of Added Competence in Addiction Medicine by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Dr. Snider-Adler currently practices addiction medicine in Ontario and is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Snider-Adler is considered an expert in the field of substance use in the workplace as well as alcohol and drug testing for safety-sensitive workplaces. As such, she is often asked to provide expert opinions, reports and testimony for arbitrations, hearings and court cases across Canada. Dr. Snider-Adler speaks to workplaces and at various conferences in Canada and the US regarding the impact of recreational cannabis, cannabis for medical purposes, workplace substance and medication use, and addiction prevention and treatment.

Oral Fluid Testing in the Workplace: A Modern Approach to Detecting Recent Drug Use

Start Time: 10:15 AM

Oral fluid testing is rapidly gaining traction as a practical and effective tool for workplace drug testing programs. With its ability to detect recent drug use, particularly for substances such as THC, oral fluid testing offers several advantages for employers seeking timely and reliable information about potential substance use.

This presentation will explore the science and practical implementation of oral fluid testing programs. Topics will include the benefits and limitations of oral fluid testing, appropriate cut-off levels and why they matter, and how organizations can integrate oral fluid testing into existing workplace programs. Real-world examples will illustrate how companies are using oral fluid testing to strengthen workplace safety while improving the integrity and defensibility of testing programs.

Attendees will learn:

The scientific basis and detection window of oral fluid testing
Why oral fluid testing can be particularly useful for detecting recent cannabis use
How cut-off levels influence interpretation and program outcomes
Best practices for integrating oral fluid testing into workplace drug testing programs

Dr. Linda Duxbury

Human Resources & Workplace Culture | Employee & Workforce | Change & Work Life Balance Expert

Dr. Linda Duxbury is Canada’s most accomplished researcher, writer, and speaker on employee well-being and mental health as well as work–life balance. She has contributed to numerous comprehensive national studies on these topics and their bottom-line effect on business.
An enlightening and popular speaker, Dr. Linda Duxbury’s ideas and research are invaluable to major corporations and government agencies around the world. Canadian corporations were already losing over $4 billion a year to absenteeism before the worldwide pandemic. Today, the satisfaction and well-being of employees are more important than ever.
In the past decade, Dr. Linda Duxbury has completed a major study on Balancing Work and Family in the public, private sectors and not-for-profit sectors; Management Support (What is it and Why does it Matter?); generational differences in work values; the impact of office technology such as email; employee well-being, work role overload and workforce change.
Dr. Linda Duxbury has completed three national studies (1991, 2001, 2012) on work-life balance in which over 70,000 Canadian employees participated. In addition, a lot of Dr. Duxbury’s research in recent years has been done in the police sector both in Canada and internationally. This research focuses on employee well-being and the sustainability of policing in Canada.
Professor Dr. Duxbury co-wrote numerous comprehensive national studies on work-life balance and its effect on business bottom-line. Dr. Linda Duxbury is Canada's most accomplished researcher, writer and speaker who shares her thought leadership, ideas and research which are highly valued by major corporations and government agencies.
Dr. Linda Duxbury has published widely in both the academic and practitioner literature in the area of work-family conflict, change management, supportive work environments, employee wellbeing, role overload, telework, the use and impact of office technology, managing the new workforce and supportive management.
She has also given over 500 plenary talks on these issues to public, private and not-for-profit sector audiences. Dr. Duxbury is also an accomplished trainer and speaker in the area of supportive work environments, work-life balance, employee well-being, managing the new workforce, and change management.
Dr. Linda Duxbury is a professor at Carleton Sprott School of Business in Ottawa, Ontario. She has written several papers, articles, and books, and is the co-author of a series of Health Canada reports about work-life balance within the country. She has been published widely in both academic and practitioner literature in the areas of work-family conflict, resiliency, disruptive change management, supportive work environments, stress, hybrid offices, the use and impact of technology, and managing the new workforce.
Dr. Linda Duxbury holds a Ph.D. in Management Sciences from the University of Waterloo. Recently, Dr. Duxbury has been examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees and companies, with a particular focus on mental health and well-being, and how companies can address this moving forward.
Recognized for her engaging, enthusiastic communication skills and teaching practices, Dr. Linda Duxbury has received the Canadian Pension and Benefits National Speaker Award, the Carleton University Students Association Teaching Excellence Award, Carleton’s Faculty Graduate Mentoring Award, and the Sprott MBA Student Society Best Teacher Award.
Dr. Linda Duxbury has also been awarded the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award and was recognized as one of Deloitte’s Women of Influence. In 2014-15, Duxbury received the Carleton University Research Award as one of the ten best researchers at the university, and, most recently, was awarded the Chancellor’s Professorship at Carleton in recognition of her research output.

Managing a Changed Workforce

Understanding Employee Wellbeing, Workplace Expectations, and the New Psychological Contract

Start Time: 11:30 AM

The pandemic fundamentally changed the workforce in several important ways. Employees have reassessed their priorities, and many are no longer willing to place work ahead of family, personal wellbeing, and leisure time. Trust in employers has declined, and many workers continue to feel frustration and resentment stemming from their experiences during and after the pandemic. At the same time, older employees are leaving the workforce in record numbers, while younger workers are less willing to contribute uncompensated time to their organizations. Employee wellbeing has also declined due to a variety of factors, including heavy workloads, the pressures created by constant connectivity and emerging technologies such as AI, and cultural expectations that encourage employees to prioritize work above all else. Drawing on recent Canadian research, this presentation examines the disconnect between what employees expect from their work experience and what organizations expect from their workforce.

The session will also examine why employee wellbeing initiatives often fail to achieve their intended outcomes when employees believe participation may negatively affect their job security, career prospects, or advancement opportunities. What is needed to move forward? Organizations must focus on supporting frontline managers and fostering a culture that genuinely prioritizes employee wellbeing. By creating psychologically safe workplaces, setting realistic expectations, and demonstrating a sustained commitment to employee health and work-life balance, organizations can better engage and retain their workforce in this new environment.

Attendees Will Learn:

Key findings from recent Canadian workplace research and why they matter to employers
How the workplace has evolved since the pandemic and the impact on employee expectations
The changing nature of the psychological contract and how misaligned expectations affect engagement, retention, and trust
The factors driving declines in employee wellbeing, including workload pressures, work-life conflict, caregiving responsibilities, organizational change, and emerging technologies such as AI
Why wellbeing programs often fall short and the organizational barriers that limit their effectiveness
How organizational culture, leadership, and frontline management influence employee health, wellbeing, and workplace satisfaction
Practical strategies for creating healthier workplace cultures that support employee wellbeing, engagement, and organizational success

*Dr. Linda Duxbury is represented by the Speakers Bureau of Canada.

Constable Curtis Steinke

Reg. #4094, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), DRE Instructor,
Qualified Breath Technician (QBT), QBT Instructor, Edmonton Police Service Impaired Driving Unit

Cst. STEINKE has been a Police Officer with the Edmonton Police Service since November 2017. Cst. STEINKE has worked frontline patrol for most of his time with the Edmonton Police Service. Cst. STEINKE has been conducting impaired driving investigations since May 2018. Cst. STEINKE started investigations specializing in drug impaired driving investigations after completing the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) in March 2019, and continued specializing in drug impaired driving investigations by completing his Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training in June 2019. He became an SFST instructor in September 2020 and a DRE instructor course in March 2022. Cst. STEINKE became a full-time member of the Impaired Driving Unit in June 2023.
Cst. STEINKE has instructed on 8 SFST courses and 5 DRE courses. Cst. STEINKE has also instructed 7 Impaired Driving related courses including the EPS recruit training.
Cst. STEINKE has completed and assisted in over 300 impaired driving investigations since 2019 as a Qualified Breath Technician, Drug Recognition Expert, SFST Trained Member, Police Training Officer and Primary Investigator.

Myths, Facts, and the Law: Navigating Impairment in Canada
Emerging Trends, Canadian Legal Updates, and Practical Guidance for Safety-Sensitive Workplaces

Start Time: 1:00 PM

Through the lens of a Police Officer and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), this presentation explores the realities of impairment in Canada, separating common myths from facts while examining the legal, safety, and workplace implications of substance use and impairment.

Building on this perspective, the presentation will explore the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding workplace impairment, while providing practical guidance grounded in Canadian law and best practices. Topics will include recognizing signs of impairment, rising trends in workplace substance-related policy violations, drug-impaired driving laws and penalties in Canada, and the implications of mandatory roadside screening. Attendees will also examine how workplace testing compares to law enforcement approaches, and how employers can effectively respond to incidents involving suspected impairment, including situations where police involvement may be appropriate.

Special attention will be given to the ongoing impact of cannabis legalization, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the risks associated with off-duty substance use that may result in on-duty impairment. Through real-world examples and practical recommendations, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to manage impairment-related risks while supporting a safe, legally defensible workplace.

Attendees will learn:

How to recognize and appropriately respond to signs and indicators of workplace impairment
Current trends in drug and alcohol use and their impact on workplace safety
Key aspects of Canadian impaired driving laws, including alcohol and cannabis thresholds and associated penalties
How mandatory roadside screening compares to workplace testing in safety-sensitive environments
Common myths and realities surrounding cannabis legalization and workplace impairment
When employers should consider involving law enforcement following a workplace incident or suspected impairment event
Best practices for managing impairment risks while maintaining compliance, fairness, and workplace safety

Melissa Roth

Partner – GOWLING WLG

Melissa Roth is a partner in Gowling WLG's Waterloo Region office, practicing in the Employment, Labour & Equalities Group. Melissa works with private and public sector employers on a wide range of issues, including human rights, wrongful dismissals, employment contracts and policies, labour law, workplace investigations, and occupational health and safety. Melissa is a frequent speaker with employer groups and professional organizations. Outside of the workplace Melissa is a mom of 2 busy kids and they enjoy spending time outdoors with family from outback camping in the summer to snowboarding in the winter.

Rethinking Fitness for Duty: What Recent Legal Cases Mean for Employers
Understanding Emerging Legal Trends in Workplace Impairment and Accommodation

Start Time: 2:00 PM

Recent legal decisions are reshaping how employers must approach fitness for duty, workplace impairment, and the duty to accommodate, particularly in cases involving substance use and addiction. Adjudicators are increasingly scrutinizing employer responses to policy breaches, discipline, and termination decisions, requiring a careful balance between maintaining workplace safety and meeting human rights obligations.

This presentation will provide a high-level overview of evolving trends in fitness for duty case law. Topics will include how arbitrators and tribunals assess workplace impairment, the legal implications of cannabis use in the workplace, and key decisions where disciplinary actions have been upheld, modified, or overturned. Real-world case examples will illustrate the growing expectations placed on employers when managing accommodation and responding to policy violations.

Attendees will learn:

How recent legal decisions are shaping employer responsibilities in fitness for duty cases

How adjudicators assess discipline, termination, and workplace cannabis use

Key principles for accommodating employees with substance use disorders

Best practices for aligning workplace policies with current legal expectations

Panel Discussion

***Michael MacDonald***

Manager, Health Services,
**Jazz Aviation**

Michael MacDonald
Manager, Health Services,
Jazz Aviation
Michael MacDonald is committed to advancing healthy, supportive workplaces where employees can thrive. In his role, he works collaboratively with employees, healthcare providers, insurers, unions, and management to navigate workplace health challenges and support successful outcomes.
His ongoing goal is to foster programs and practices that help people focus on what matters most, their health, relationships, and careers. Michael is also an active member of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) Technical Committees on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (CSA/ASC Z1003) and Work Disability Management (CSA Z1011).

***John L. Martin Jr.***

Global Substance Abuse Testing Control Unit Manager,
**ExxonMobil Corporation**

John L. Martin Jr.
Global Substance Abuse Testing Control Unit Manager,
ExxonMobil Corporation
John Martin is a recognized leader in analytical chemistry and occupational health, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the global energy sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. John’s University in Jamaica, N.Y. and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the City University of New York Graduate Center, with a career foundation rooted in advancing scientific rigor and practical application in workplace health and safety.
Since joining Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc. in 1990, John has held a series of leadership roles across Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) functions, developing deep expertise in compliance systems, risk management, and program governance. His work has consistently focused on translating complex scientific and regulatory requirements into effective, scalable programs that support safe and reliable operations.
In his current role as the Global Manager of ExxonMobil’s Substance Abuse Testing Control Unit (SATCU), a position that he has held since 2018, John leads the administration and execution of the company’s worldwide alcohol and drug testing program. He is responsible for driving program design, governance, and performance oversight across diverse regulatory environments, working in close partnership with the corporate policy owner (Human Resources), legal, and operational management. His responsibilities include ensuring compliance with evolving legal frameworks, strengthening program consistency, and advancing data-driven approaches to risk mitigation.
John brings a practical, forward-looking perspective to impairment risk management—one that goes beyond compliance to address emerging challenges such as shifting drug landscapes, testing technologies, and workforce expectations. His experience in implementing large-scale, standardized programs across jurisdictions positions him to offer valuable insights to professionals seeking to enhance the effectiveness, defensibility, and sustainability of their workplace alcohol and drug testing strategies.

***Shawn Monahan***

Manager of Drug and Alcohol Programs,
**CPKC**

Shawn Monahan
Manager of Drug and Alcohol Programs,
CPKC
Shawn Monahan is a railroad professional with 11 years of operations experience as a train conductor and locomotive engineer. In 2022, Shawn was promoted to Manager of Drug and Alcohol Programs at Canadian Pacific, where he led the integration of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern’s alcohol and drug programs during the merger of the two Class 1 railroads. In 2024, Shawn assumed responsibility for CPKC’s Canadian Alcohol and Drug Program. Shawn holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Human Factors.

David Rost — David
Rost

Manager, Health Services,
**TC Energy**

David Rost
Manager, Health Services,
TC Energy
David Rost’s background includes human resources, occupational health and safety. He has a Bachelor of Physical Education degree from the University of Alberta, been in the industry for over 25 years, is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources as well as Canadian Registered Safety Professional.
He joined TC Energy in June 2020. Prior to joining TC Energy, David has worked in the consulting realm, as well as both large public and private sectors. He has developed and managed all aspects of an organization’s workplace absence, disability management and wellbeing programs (including addictions) in addition to occupational health & safety programs. His goal is to help leaders and employees move beyond simply a compliance mindset towards practical, business-focused solutions that balance employee wellbeing, safety and operational requirements.

Real-World Strategies for Managing Fitness for Duty in Today’s Workplace

Start Time: 3:00 PM

As workplaces continue to evolve, so too do the challenges associated with managing fitness for duty. From changing legislation and increased cannabis use to rising concerns around fatigue, mental health, and prescription medications, health and safety leaders are navigating a more complex landscape than ever before. At the same time, organizations must ensure workers are physically and medically capable of performing their jobs safely through programs such as physical abilities testing, hearing conservation, respiratory fitness assessments, medical surveillance, and exposure monitoring.

This panel brings together experienced safety professionals to share candid insights from the front lines. Moving beyond policy and compliance, panelists will discuss what’s really happening in their organizations; where programs are succeeding and how they’re adapting to emerging risks. Through real-world examples, lessons learned, and practical strategies, this conversation will explore the full spectrum of fitness for duty programs, including impairment management, occupational health monitoring, and the integration of health and safety requirements into day-to day operations.

Join us for an honest discussion on what it takes to manage fitness for duty in today’s workplace, while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.