Law and policy in relation to addiction issues in the workplace and at post-secondary institutions is complex and continues to evolve. Leading up to National Addictions Awareness Week, Julie Menten and Tonie Beharrell discussed recent legal decisions and provided attendees with practical tips as to what these cases mean for anyone in a workplace environment--from employees, to unions, and campus Residence Advisors.
About the presenters:
Julie Menten
As an Associate at Roper Greyell LLP, Julie practices in all areas of labour and employment law. With a background in mental health, she is especially suited to providing strategic advice to employers in addressing complex issues, particularly related to disability accommodations, addictions, return to work, discrimination and workplace bullying and harassment.
Julie received her Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria in 2001 and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph in 2005. She completed her law degree at Western University and received her Juris Doctor with Distinction in 2012. She was called to the BC Bar in 2013.
Julie is passionate about breaking down the stigma that can silence those who are experiencing mental illness. Throughout her participation in the Bottom Line Conference, she has continued to be impressed by the power of personal stories to get people talking.
Tonie Beharrell
Tonie is in-house legal counsel to the Health Sciences Association of British Columbia, and head of its legal department. From December 2002 to December 2011, Tonie was a full-time member of the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. In that role she has adjudicated and mediated a broad spectrum of issues arising under the B.C. Human Rights Code. Prior to joining the Tribunal, Tonie was an Associate at a management side labour firm, practising in the areas of labour, employment, human rights, and administrative law. She has also taught a number of courses in administrative decision-making for the B.C. Council of Administrative Tribunals.
Background information:
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA BC) is hosting a series of free webinars that cover a range of workplace mental health strategies, and provide participants with practical advice, skills, and tools that can be used to support positive change in a working environment. View additional webinars hosted by CMHA BC here.
- Erin Anderlini, Director of Health, Prince George Native Friendship Centre
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Healthy Minds | Healthy Campuses is managed and coordinated on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information by CMHA BC
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