Army frustrated over inability to push through enhanced drug screening

The outgoing commander of the Canadian Army, Lt.-Gen. Peter Devlin is seen here on July 12, 2013. (CP / Murray Brewster)

OTTAWA -- Much to the chagrin of the country's top soldier, the Canadian Army has once again tried and failed to push through more stringent drug screening for its troops.

The soon-to-be departing commander of the army recommended late last year that high-readiness soldiers who are poised to deploy on short notice be subjected more rigorous testing.

The military administers blind drug testing on a regular basis, but the system results in no disciplinary action if the results come back positive.

Troops in a number of secure positions are subject to more enhanced screening, as are those known to be bound for overseas deployment; the army's proposal would have expanded that to include soldiers on standby.

But, Lt.-Gen. Peter Devlin says the measure was blocked by National Defence lawyers who worried it would violate the Charter of Rights.

Devlin says the setbacks are frustrating because soldiers want the testing for safety reasons.