640 Toronto – Employee insurance plan must pay for medical marijuana, human rights board rules

Gordon Wayne Skinner of Head of Chezzetcook, N.S., a unionized elevator mechanic who suffers from chronic pain caused by an on-the-job vehicle accident, had argued he faced discrimination when he was denied coverage under the Canadian Elevator Industry Welfare Trust Plan. He had requested that his insurance provider pay for his medical marijuana.

A human rights board of inquiry agreed with Skinner, saying he faced unintentional discrimination because the exclusion of coverage was inconsistent with the purpose of the insurance plan.

Will this set a precedent across Canada when it comes to insurance coverage for cannabis? Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru, partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, joined host Kelly Cutrara on Global News Radio 640 Toronto.