Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Feb 08/02) - The Deh Cho First Nations are examining a code of conduct for their 20 employees to address issues such as sobriety.

Michael Nadli, grand chief of the DCFN, said the DCFN executive committee discussed the matter in Kakisa last week.

"These issues come to light when it affects a person's conduct and work efficiency. If it has come to that point, then it needs to be addressed," Nadli said.

One option is to create an employee assistance program, which would have one person designated to be available for the staff in times of crisis. A link with local agencies, treatment programs and family-care programs would also be established, Nadli said.

Any reference to alcohol or drug use in a staff policy would have to apply only during working hours, as labour standards and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms would preclude making abstinence mandatory, Nadli said. Making the connection between alcoholism or drug use and erratic behaviour on the job would be a challenge in itself, he acknowledged.

"How do you prove someone is stoned or intoxicated ... when they come to work?" he asked. "You can maybe question them for drug abuse, and then this person comes to be innocent and says there's workplace harassment, false accusations."

It hasn't been decided whether one violation of any future policy will result in dismissal, Nadli said. Most such situations aren't resolved after a first intervention, he suggested.

"These are deep-rooted problems that people carry. Unfortunately, they go through periods in their lives when they go through a down-swing and get abusive," he said.

He has been through treatment himself, he said. "Alcohol and drugs affect every community. It affects our organization as well."

A resolution aimed at DCFN chiefs that promotes spiritual healing and espousing zero tolerance for physical abuse was passed three or four years ago, according to Nadli. To date, no chief has been removed or reprimanded in accordance with that resolution, he said.