Anthony Purgas

Anthony Purgas carries on a general practice with an emphasis on employment and labour issues, commercial and shareholder disputes, and municipal matters. He advises both employers and employees, with a focus on dispute resolution meant to cultivate productive ongoing relationships. Anthony teaches Employment Law at MacEwan University to students in the Human Resources Management program. He also spends time focusing on his community by volunteering with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre.

October 3rd

1:00pm - 2:00pm (Breakout Session 2)

High at Work: The Workplace in the Upcoming Age of Legalized Marijuana (with Albert Lavergne)

In light of the federal government’s recent announcement regarding legalization of marijuana by July 1, 2018, it is important for organizations to consider adopting drug use policies or, if they already have one in place, whether their drug use policies will be effective. Recent decisions out of British Columbia and Newfoundland have shown that the legal landscape with respect to marijuana use in the workplace is currently in a state of flux and all employers, particularly public employers, need to be aware of the unique issues that the legalization of cannabis will bring to the workplace. This session will highlight the current landscape by looking at issues and cases surrounding medical marijuana use and discuss how lessons from those cases will likely inform the new system after legalization. We will provide tips and pointers to avoid some of the potential hazards that will come with legalization.

2:30pm - 3:30pm (Breakout Session 3)

Legal issues in Municipal Government (with Albert Lavergne)

Q&A Session