CNLA Newsbrief - February 2009

CNLA Newsbrief

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January-February 2009

CNLA January-February 2009

Green Industry News!

Vol. 18 Issue 1

Home Renovation Tax Credit a Win for the Green Industry www.TheEscarpmentCompany.com

Homeowners and members of the horticulture industry both benefit with the government’s investment into the future of the green infrastructure.

In the weeks leading up to the announcement of the 2009 Federal Budget, The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance requested industry consultation. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) responded in a major way by providing Minister Flaherty with an action plan to stimulate the Canadian economy by investing in green infrastructure.

Michael Murray, CNLA President, was very pleased that Minister Flaherty took the recommendation seriously. “This is a great development for Canadian home owners and our industry. We hope this is just the beginning and look forward to this government’s support in the future”, said Mr. Murray.

Canadian homeowners are now eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit outlined in the Harper Government’s recent Federal Budget for 2009. Families will be eligible to claim a 15% non-refundable tax credit for eligible

Look Inside: • • •

Strengthening ties with CIB Time for a tune-up Project Evergreen update

expenses made in respect of eligible dwellings.

The credit will apply to expenditures in excess of $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).

Examples of HRTC Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures: Eligible  Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement  New carpet or hardwood floors  Building an addition, deck, fence, landscaping or retaining wall  A new furnace or water heater  Painting the interior or exterior of a house  Resurfacing a driveway  Laying new sod

 Purchase

of tools cleaning  Maintenance contracts (furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc.)  Carpet

CNLA is national federation of nine green industry associations representing over 3,600 companies in the landscape, independent garden centre, and nursery sectors. CNLA’s members are thrilled with the Home Renovation Tax credit as they are the growers of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials; retailers for all garden products and plant material; and professional service providers who will create stunning gardens and landscapes for homeowners across Canada.

Ineligible  Furniture and appliances (refrigerator, stove, couch)

The green industry that CNLA represents contributes $14.48 billion to Canada’s economy and employs 132,776 people across the country.

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Growers corner Preparing a successful portfolio Training the trainers

Labour priorites for landscapers Recycled pot program Upcoming test dates

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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CNLA Newsbrief

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Industry News

Executive Board:

Closer ties with Communities in Bloom

Cary van Zanten - BC President

Michael Murray - NL Past President

Bill Stensson - ON First Vice President

Christine LeVatte, CLP - NS Second Vice President

ReneThiebeaud, CLP - ON Treasurer, Insurance Chair

Directors:

Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Human Resources Co-Chair

Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP - AB LANTA Representative

Terry Nicholson, CHT - ON National Certification Chair

Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Human Resources Co-Chair

Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLD, CLP - BC Landscape Canada Chair

Vic Krahn, CHT - SK

Government Liaison Chair, SNLA Representative, COHA Chair

Gerald Boot, CLP - ON LOHTA Representative

Doug Conrad, CHT, CLD, CLP - NS LNSHTA Representative

Paul Jensen - QC AQPP Representative

Bruce McTavish - BC NAPPO Chair

Anthony O’Neill - NL

Garden Centres Canada Chair, LNL Representative

Owen Vanstone - MB

LM Representative, Growers Canada Chair

Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB

Member Services Chair, LNBHTA Representative

TBD

Vacant

Environment Chair

Staff: Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLP Lydia Couture-Comtois Executive Director victor@canadanursery.com

Executive Assistant lydia@canadanursery.com

Joseph Salemi, CAE

Julia Ricottone

Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP

Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM

Professional & Business Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com

Rebecca Wetselaar

Certification Services julia@canadanursery.com Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator peter@canadanursery.com

Michelle Brown

Provincial Relations Co-ordinator Manager of Provincial Relations michelle@canadanursery.com rebecca@canadanursery.com

Agnes Zawartka

Rita Weerdenburg

Growers Manager rita@canadanursery.com

Liz Klose, B.Sc., (Agr), CLP Landscape Priorities Manager liz@canadanursery.com

Member Services Co-ordinator agnes@canadanursery.com

Kim Burton

Communications Co-ordinator kim@canadanursery.com

Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks by: Harmony Printing, 50 Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5R2

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Changes are on the horizon for Communities in Bloom across the country. Anne Carriere, who has played a significant role for Communities in Bloom (CIB) in the province of Quebec, will be relocating to Charlottetown and will be running the CIB program for New Brunswick.

CNLA will be taking on a more active role in the Communities in Bloom program, in helping to oversee the program across the provinces and further promote the horticulture industry and raise awareness to the general public of industry standards, certification and the benefits of hiring a professional to complete a landscaping project. Since many communities are already familiar with CIB, the national association and its efforts will, in turn, be better connected to the public.

It is the hope that eventually, we will be able to link America in Bloom, Green Cities, Tidy Towns, Communities in Bloom, along with other community programs, in an effort to improve the quality of everyone’s lives through the connection of people to plants.

Strengthening the industry CNLA’s Landscape Canada committee has partnered with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) to promote sustainable communities.

BCNLA Representative

Member Services Manager joseph@canadanursery.com

January-February 2009

The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Association (COHA) has successfully completed an ecomonic impact study that confirms there are over 130,000 full-time employees in the $14 million industry. The study breaks down all elements and each provincial impact upon the industry. This now gives COHA the support to lobby within the provinces to promote and encourage the direction of the industry, along with the establishment of a strategic policy for the ornamental horticulture group.

Time for a tune-up?

BY JOEL BEATSON, CLP, CAE

Every where I go, everybody I talk to, there is one theme that keeps repeating itself – the recession, the slow down, the tough times, the ‘economy’ – whatever you call it, it is the one thing on our collective minds.

There are some who seem to be buying in to the negativity seen in the headlines each day. Part of this is the pervasion of American media, but it is key to remember that we are different countries, facing similar, but different challenges.

There is also a great deal of positivity in people. The consensus seems to be this is a great time to start working on your business instead of just working in your business. With things slowing down, people will have a little more time to analyze their operations and implement old and new ideas.

Now is the time to evaluate everything; your cash-flow, your profit margins, good customers and bad customers, your target market, long and short-term employees, training methods and risk management to name a few. This is a top priority for all associations in the CNLA federation. Here are some examples of offerings that can help improve your business: Networking – Attend association events, talk to other members about what they are doing to prepare themselves for future success.

CLP – The Certified Landscape Professional program has a great set of study materials that are full of ideas and methods for improving your business.

If you need an incentive to study, sign up for the exam. Once you have your CLP status, market it to your customers – distinguish yourself as a professional! www.clp.canadanursery.com Prosperity Partners – currently only available in Ontario, this is a program that focuses on participants being part of a network of peers who work towards mutual improvement. www.horttrades.com/prospart Education seminars – all associations are offering local seminar content on a wide variety of topics, from technical and safety to management, there is something for everyone.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Landscape OnSites – this back of the truck, 20- minutes-a-week training system is a great way to improve the performance of your team. Use the extra time to implement On-Sites this spring.

I can’t imagine anyone who has been doing snow removal this winter will have extra time, but if you do find yourself with some, now is a great opportunity to get involved to improve your business. The one common factor I observe in all successful business leaders is the practice of continual improvement. It is never good enough; there is always a way to do it better. This positive attitude and strong work ethic is exactly what will see us through tough times.

Project EverGreen gains momentum Project EverGreen’s Global mission is to “Protect and Enhance Green Spaces in our Communities for Today and Future Generations”

January-February 2009

private green spaces. Project EverGreen’s task is to stimulate the public interest in the importance and benefits of well-maintained green spaces and partner individuals and professionals to assist in keeping these parks, gardens, private yards, sports fields and golf courses healthy and beautiful for the benefit of our communities.

their communities and partner with industry members in completing these projects, in the process educate the public on what the horticulture industry does.

Project EverGreen is committed to informing the Canadian public about the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses and parks. We want to show the public that they can make a difference in improving their surroundings and thus have a positive effect the environment as a whole, starting with the planting of one seed. By becoming involved with Project EverGreen and it’s community projects, the public will reap the health benefits and take pride in their beautified surroundings. We want to inspire people to get involved and get passionate about green spaces because green matters!

Community involvement

Project EverGreen’s focus is to assist communities in protecting and enhancing their green spaces through projects and by bringing people and industry together to ensure its success. It hopes to encourage people with ideas on how to improve their community and to approach Project EverGreen for assistance. Project EverGreen’s goal is to show the public how they can become involved to direct activities and improvements within

CNLA Newsbrief

Welcome, CNLA members.

Project EverGreen Canada has taken a new step forward in it’s initiatives and will be hiring a full time staff person to help in promoting the program and to better connect Project EverGreen to industry members and the public, so that together we can help Project EverGreen make a significant change in our environment.

By engaging the public and government interest, Project EverGreen hopes that the public will better understand the significance of improving our surroundings and its impact on our global environmant; and that being green starts in one’s backyard and grows from there; collectively we can make a difference.

Fast growth, major economic impact

According to studies, the green industry is one of the fastest-growing segments of the nation’s agricultural economy. In Canada, there is $14 billion of economic activity including the landscape design, construction, grounds maintenance, golf courses, parks, garden centres, irrigation and landscape lighting sectors. The green industry supports over 130,000 jobs.

Get Involved

No one makes CNLA members feel more special than your local John Deere dealer. That’s because CNLA members receive special pricing on John Deere equipment. And since John Deere offers the widest breadth of products for professional landscapers, you can get great discounts on virtually everything you need for your business. So give your John Deere dealer a call today. You’ll see that a CNLA membership really does have its advantages.

We need your help to get the word out to the public about the benefits of green spaces for our environment. The green industry is made up of a wide range of businesses and individuals that care for public and

Nothing Runs Like a Deere.™

www.JohnDeere.com

09-5697

Vertis QCA 1300 19th Street, Suite 200 East Moline, IL 61244

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes Cyan

Magenta

Yellow

Black

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

09-5697

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CNLA Newsbrief

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January-February 2009

Industry News

December Weather in B.C. December’s storm damage and uncharacteristically heavy snowfall caused major losses for about 25 BC growers. Early estimates are that structural damage will be about $1.5 million with another $1 million in early crop damage. This latter amount is expected to rise sharply once the growing season starts and full assessments are made.

While little consolation to BC growers facing their own costly structure repairs, many are counting themselves lucky. Paulus Vrijmoed of Linnaea Nurseries Ltd. commented, “We could have suffered a lot more damage than we actually did. The greenhouses are insured with a deductable of $10,000. The plants, however, are not insured as the premium would be exorbitantly high. We predict that the [crop] damage might be in the 25% range. Overall, we do not think that our coming spring sales season will be affected much. As said, things could have been a lot worse.”

TG Nursery & Sons in Langley is among the list of growers who tallied up damage costs after this winter’s freak snowfalls around the south coast.

Growers should enquire about higher snow load capacities; most would be surprised at how little the extra cost is for piece of mind. Gutter connects can be designed to take up to 90 lbs per square foot.

While you might not need this type of load capacity, you should consider improving on the standard 15 psf minimum. Talk to your greenhouse manufacturer about these options.

A further caution, while your greenhouse may not have collapsed, it might have received stress damage making the structure weaker.

Inspect your greenhouses for deformations in the structural components such as arches, truss or crossties, gutters and especially where the gutter attaches to the support columns.

Island Chapter members were not immune.

Andersen Nursery in Ladysmith watched cold frames buckle, while the community was struck by weather-related power outages and highway closures.

The great spirit of volunteers is kept alive The horticulture industry’s successes are possible due to the hard work of volunteers who keep on going.

Vanessa Howarth Palmer was a volunteer at the Communities in Bloom and Landscape Ontario’s booths during Congress 2009. Vanessa was in her third year of studying for her B.A. in Environmental Geography and had many environmental aspirations. She was actively volunteering at many industry shows, trying to make a difference and gain industry experience. Her energetic personality, environmental knowledge and ‘go big on environmentalism’ approach to life has made a tremendous impact on many peoples lives.

The Vanessa Palmer Award for Environmental Education has been created to honour her memory and we would like to thank her for all her contributions and great work.

Vanessa Palmer

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Green Industry Celebrated in Manitoba Landscape Manitoba celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Manitoba Green Show February 10-11, 2009. The CNLA Board of Director were welcomed by Landscape Manitoba at the trade show, conference and awards. The trade show featured 63 booths and was attended by hundreds of members of the green industry in Manitoba.

don), Swiss Alpine Landscaping Ltd. (St. Andrews), Oakridge Landscape Services (Steinbach), and Galay Landscape and Irrigation (Selkirk).

Landscape Manitoba’s trade show and conference for the green industry, the Manitoba Green Show, recognized industry contributors during the Awards of Excellence Gala, held in conjunction with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s (CNLA) National Awards of Landscape Excellence on Tuesday February 10th.

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association presented the sixth annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence. There are two categories highlighted: landscape maintenance; and landscape construction and installation.

The John Deere Award of Excellence for Landscape Maintenance was presented to Evergreen Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance (Hamilton, ON) for the Mlekuz Residence.

The Caterpillar Award of Excellence for Landscape Construction and Installation was presented to Pacifica Landscape Works (Surrey, BC) for West Van Waterfront.

Landscape Manitoba handed out five awards for Landscape Construction Projects over $15,000.00; 3 Seasons Landscaping Inc. (Winnipeg), Alternative Landscaping (Bran-

Saying Goodbye to a Friend Jocelyn Catherine (Voortman) Langendoen passed away peacefully on January 22, 2009, in her 53rd year at the Welland General Hospital with John and Darryl by her side.

Loving wife of John of Fenwick, for 33 years.

Beloved mother of Christopher (Tiffany) Langendoen, Darryl Robert Langendoen and Bradley Jon Langendoen. Cherished grandmother of Mackenzie, Cole, Brady, and Bo Daniel.

Jocelyn made friends wherever she went and we will all miss her humor, wit, and the loving and caring heart she had for others.

Jocelyn was involved in many ministry opportunities in our North American Christian Reformed Church denomination and in the

local community serving our God with all the skills that God had blessed her with.

Jocelyn and her husband John started Willowbrook Nurseries Inc. in 1979.

Jocelyn Lengendoen Jocelyn’s position as secretary treasurer of the company was instrumental to its success. Jocelyn could be found together with John at many industry functions attending trades shows, conventions and visiting nurseries all across North America.

January-February 2009

Association News Landscape Horticulturist apprenticeship The New Brunswick Apprenticeship board has been approved, with the official name Landscape Horticulturist. Apprentices will now have support from the provincial government while taking training courses.

With the recent Red Seal approval, thanks to participation and support from across Canada, in coordination with CNLA and the provincial associations, Landscape Horticulturist now has national recognition for the trade. This is great news for the future of our industry, and we soon expect to see Landscape Nova Scotia and Landscape Newfoundland & Labrador follow suit.

Upcoming Events LANTA 1-Day Supervisor and Foreman Training Workshop

Calgary: Tuesday March 10, 2009 8:30am-4:00pm Edmonton: Wednesday March 11, 2009 8:30am-4:00pm A successful supervisor or foreman is one who engages and influences workers, and convinces each to perform thier best and embrace their role in achieving company goals and solving client needs. The most effective coaches are both ardent observers and communicators, who inspire people by listening and motivating. For more information go to www.landscape-alberta.com and click on Events and Workshops.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Growers Corner

January-February 2009

Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program

BY RITA WEERDENBURG

Canada’s income tax incentives for scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) provide broad-based support for SR&ED performed in every industrial sector in Canada. All companies, individuals and certain trusts that carry on qualifying SR&ED activities in Canada – including producers – are entitled to claim the incentives available under the program.

The SR&ED program is designed to increase the competitiveness of Canadian firms in a global economy by encouraging research and development. The program reflects an understanding that SR&ED activities can involve substantial economic risk to the performer. It allows the Canadian government to partly share this risk with a view to enhancing the Canadian economy as a whole. Although the program is available for companies of all sizes, it is particularly attractive for small and medium-sized Canadian businesses, because of the availability of cash refunds.

The SR&ED program offers a variety of benefits, notably the following: • The program provides tax incentives in the form of refundable and non-refundable tax credits to claimants under the program.

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• Small and medium-sized businesses that are Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) are entitled to 35% refundable tax credits. These corporations will receive a cheque for the full amount of the tax credit, unless the company has taxes owing for the year, in which case the net amount will be refunded. CCPCs are corporations of which at least 50% of the shares are owned by Canadian residents, and that are not controlled in any manner by public or foreign owned companies.

• All other corporations receive a 20% non-refundable tax credit that can be used to offset taxes otherwise payable.

• Individuals carrying on a business are entitled to a tax credit of 20%, of which 40% is refundable if no taxes are owing for the year.

• Capital assets purchased for the prosecution of SR&ED can be fully written off in the year.

• Unused tax credits can be carried back three years or forward twenty.

Japanese Beetle found in PEI The CFIA hosted a conference call with all affected stakeholders in PEI in early January as a result of significant findings of Japanese beetle in that province. Although distribution of JB was fairly widespread, there was still some opportunity to consider quarantine areas within the province.

However, as it was generally acknowledged that JB would spread throughout the province within two to three years, all stakeholders agreed that PEI should be immediately classified as a Category 3. This change will be posted to the CFIA website in February of this year. This leaves only Newfoundland as a Category 2 province.

CFIA will continue their survey activity in that province. Due to the climate, they do not expect to see rapid spread of Japanese Beetle in Newfoundland.

More detailed information can be found on the CNLA webiste: www.canadanurery.com

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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Coin de producteurs

January-February 2009

Programme canadien de Recherche scientifique et développment expérimental PAR RITA WEERDENBURG

Le programme canadien d’encouragements fiscaux pour la recherche scientifique et le développement expérimental (RS&DE) offre un appui important pour la RS&DE effectués dans tous les secteurs industriels. Toutes les compagnies et tous les individus qui font de la recherche et du développement admissibles peuvent obtenir des remboursements dans le cadre de ce programme.

Le programme RS&DE comprend les risques économiques encourus lors des activités de RS&DE. Le programme permet au gouvernement canadien de prendre part aux risques associés tout en ayant pour objectif l’amélioration de l’économie canadienne.

Bien que le programme s’adresse aux compagnies de toutes tailles, il est particulièrement intéressant pour les moyennes ou petites entreprises, parce qu’il est possible de recevoir des remboursements Le programme RS&DE offre une variété d’avantages comme : • des encouragements fiscaux sous la forme de crédits d’impôts remboursables ou non-remboursables.

• Les moyennes ou petites sociétés privées sous contrôle canadien (SPCC) sont éligibles à recevoir un crédit d’impôt

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•

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de 35%. Ces entreprises recevront un cheque pour le plein montant du remboursement, à moins que l’entreprise ait des taxes arriérées, dans ce cas, les taxes dues seront d’abord collectées. Les SPCC sont des sociétés dont au minimum 50% des parts sont tenus par des résidents du Canada et qui ne sont pas contrôlés par des entreprises dirigés par des étrangers.

Toutes les autres sociétés sont éligibles à recevoir un crédit d’impôt non remboursable de 20%, qui peut servir à diminuer l’impôt exigible.

Les propriétaires d’entreprises ont droit à un crédit d’impôt de 20%, dont 40% est remboursable s’il n’y a pas d’impôt à payer pour l’année.

L’achat de biens capitaux nécessaires à la poursuite de RS&DE peut être déduit entièrement dans l’année.

Les credits d’impôts peuvent être repris jusqu’à trois années précédentes et être utilisés dans les vingt années qui suivent.

On trouvera de l’information supplémentaire au site Web de l’ACPP : www.canadanursery.com

Scarabée Japonais découvert sur l’I.-P.-É.

L’ACIA a tenu un appel conférence avec les partis affectés au début janvier afin de discuter la découverte de scarabée japonais sur l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Bien que le scarabée est été découverte à plusieurs endroits, il était toujours possible de mettre en quarantaine seulement certaines régions de la province. Toutefois, en considérant que le parasite infesterait la totalité de la province d’ici deux à trois ans, tous ont été d’accord pour que la province soit immédiatement considéré comme de la catégorie 3. Ce changement sera posté sur le site de l’ACIA en février de cette année. Terre-Neuve est maintenant la seule province de catégorie 2. L’ACIA continuera de suivre les progrès dans cette province mais due au rigoureux climat de la province, elle ne s’attend pas à voir le scarabée se répandre rapidement à Terre-Neuve.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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January-February 2009

Certification Corner Preparing a Perfect Portfolio

select projects from very early on for future inclusion in your portfolio. The majority of landscape designers operate in design/build firms and wear several hats on a day-to-day basis. This can make it difficult to take the time to fulfill each step of the process.

As part of the Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) requirements, all candidates must submit a portfolio of their work. This portfolio includes three separate projects that highlight a designer’s skill in a variety of factors. Each project must include layout plans, planting plans, construction details, grading and drainage plans, as well as before and after photos being the most notable. This is the part of the CLD process with which most candidates struggle; not because it is overly difficult, but for most, it is simply finding the time to put it all together.

Starting in 2008, candidates are now able to submit one initial project for review instead of all three at once. This allows the candidate to receive confirmation that the quality and quantity of the work is to the CLD standard or to be given constructive comments on how to bring their work to the required level. This feedback is available to anybody who has completed his or her written exam.

The key to having a professional portfolio is planning. Know what you want to include (or have to include in the case of CLD) and then

Portfolio Planning

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 Permission – Make sure the client is interested in having their work on display before starting any of this extra work.  Take photos – Having great before photos can help tell the story of your work.  Shoot again – This time elevations, it is very difficult to go back and get this information for you grading plan.  Construction details – Take a little extra time to do full working drawings of that retaining wall or pergola.  Plant it – Ensure you have a comprehensive plant list and it is often helpful to include plant photos in your planting plan.  More photos – Take after photos from the same position as the before, plus any thing that highlights specific skills.

As we move towards the start of a new season it is possible to put a little extra in at the start of a project to ensure you have all that is needed for a professional portfolio. For those submitting a portfolio for you CLD designation, remember the entire thing is returned to the candidate so it can be used again and again with potential customers. A professional portfolio can go a long way in creating distinction from the competition and elevating design work to a place of value. For more information on the CLD program or what is required in a portfolio submission, please visit www.cld.canadanursery.com.

Ed Beattie, Director of Sales 905.902.7501 (cell) 866.955.9194 x225 (office) 905.695.8195 (fax) ebeattie@forterra.com

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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January-February 2009

Training the Trainers

Renewal Reminder

CNLA continues to be involved in the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council’s (CAHRC) project to provide On-the-Job Training tools to the industry.

There is an identified shortage of skilled workers in the landscape horticulture trade and this project aims to give employers the tools to provide in-house training.

In late November, a focus group, of industry members from across Canada, met for two days in a facilitated session to determine the skills best trained On-the-Job and what criteria could be used to measure success. This is a continuation of the project that developed the National Occupational Standard (NOS) for Landscape Horticulturist and works in conjunction with existing apprenticeship and post-secondary related education.

On-the-Job training will give employers the tools to deal with the shortage of skilled workers.

without loss in quality, speed or safety.

The trainer tools should be available through CNLA by early summer, with exact format still to be determined. Stay tuned for more!

As of January 1, 2009 the majority of certified individuals (CHTs, CLDs, CLPs) were required to renew their certification in order to retain their designations. People who were originally certified in 2008 would not be required to renew at this time. Most people have sent in the required form including Continuing Education Units (CEUs) along with payment. If you haven’t done this already or are unsure, please contact the CNLA office at 1-888-446-3499 and speak to Julia Ricottone or visit the Professional Development section of www.canadanursery.com to download a form.

Starting in late January in BC, small groups of 6 to 8 individuals will gather for two-day sessions to test the training tools. Participants then return to their companies and implement these training methods in the weeks that follow. A total of four sessions will take place across Canada between now and the end of March. This systems-based approach provides an outline for training a wide variety of tasks, but focuses primarily on a four-step process that can increase the effectiveness of training by at least 50%, resulting in a greater return on investment. This training system is based on the same methods developed to train workers during World War II and now used most famously by Toyota. It ensures that workers will be trained quicker

Recently Certified Randy Andres, CHT Cable Baker, CLP Rosanne Ballast, CLD Hrvoje Bosnjak, CLP Trevor Cullen, CHT Adam Deboo, CHT Anthony Delpero, CHT Clayton Ditzler, CLD Jeff Foley, CLP Tom Gallagher, CLP Matt Goodfellow, CHT Ryan Johnston, CHT Liz Klose, CLP Mike Lunau, CLP Shelley Peterson, CHT Jennifer Portsmouth, CLP Colin Priddle, CLP James Quelch, CHT Jason Robinson, CHT Lianne Unwin, CLP Richard Van DerGulik, CHT

ON BC ON AB ON ON ON AB BC MB ON ON ON ON ON BC BC ON ON ON ON

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www.hewitt.ca Quebec • Labrador West 514 334-7004 1 866 444-9944

www.atlcat.ca Nova Scotia • New Brunswick Prince Edward Island 902 468-0581

CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos and “Caterpillar Yellow,” as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

9

CNLA Newsbrief

sponsored by :

Landscaper’s Corner Labour priorities

BY LIZ KLOSE, B.Sc. (Agr), CLP

Red Seal Apprenticeship Approval

Red Seal approval for the Landscape Horticulturist training program was a major accomplishment for our industry — it translates to greater mobility for certified skilled trades across Canada. Service Canada recently announced an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant of $1000 for direct support to apprentices, in each of their first two years of apprenticeship. For more information see www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship.shtml. Programs delivering the apprenticeship programs always welcome certified employers to act as practical training hosts. Contact your local provincial association for a list of apprenticeship training delivery agents.

Engage your supervisors to select topics of their choice to present to their crew. These sessions can be presented as “tailgate training”, “tool box” or “lunch and learn” sessions in 15- 20 minutes — time well spent. These provide a refresher course for employees and contribute to proper job instruction and worker safety. Choose a system and time that works for your business to effectively engage your staff in the presentations.

Labour Market Information (LMI) Forum

Another training tool is the CNLA’s Landscape OnSites. As a supervisor or owner, you have an obligation to communicate how to work safely and effectively to each of your employees. The OnSite sessions have been designed to provide the framework for short, basic training sessions to develop an informed well-rounded employee.

CNLA attended the Labour Market Information (LMI) Forum, hosted by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) in Ottawa in February. Labour market information, gathered from stakeholders (50) and producers/employers (552) across Canada, regarding human resource issues, specifically recruitment and retention in primary agriculture, was shared with the assembly. Horticulture/landscaping is the second largest sector within primary agriculture. The forum included a facilitated session for dialogue and brainstorming to enhance data collection for future initiatives and to formulate recommendations and future project opportunities.

It is your responsibility to practice good safety and work habits on the job site.

There are over 80 on-the-job training resources that you can download from www.canadanursery.com/Page. asp?PageID=924&ContentID=1027

With 336,200 employees in the agricultural industry (47,300 employed in landscape, horticulture, nursery and greenhouse), employers expect that they will need more employees to meet the demand in the next five years. This is due to retirement, attrition and

Landscape OnSites

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January-February 2009 business growth, and hence, the importance on recruitment and retention. Three issues were summarized; the need for better labour market data, the need to recruit more people into the industry, and the need for retention strategies and the development of human resource tools maintain this retention.

Aligned with these broad issues were two underlying themes: labour shortage and public image — the same two top priorities key identified during CNLA’s Landscape Summit. The labour subcommittee of Landscape Canada also met and determined long and short-term priorities. These initiatives will be highlighted in a subsequent article to elaborate on the plan and results.

Skills Canada National Competition

As excerpted from their website, www.skillscanada.pe.ca, Skills Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. The national office is supported by provincial branch offices that work closely with local representatives to ensure the long-term viability of a skilled labour force. The Canadian Skills Competition is the organization’s flagship event and continues grow and gain support each year, an indication that the skilled trades and technology industries in Canada continue to provide viable, longterm career opportunities for youth. Through programs and competitions, the organization aims to build a strong workforce that can support Canadian industry in an ever-changing global economy by making skilled trades and technology an attractive career choice for young people. The event provides hand-on experience for young students in a competitive environment while raising the awareness of the value of trades and technologies.

The Landscape Gardening competition will be held at the Charlottetown Civic Centre May 20-23, 2009 and will feature post–secondary teams challenging their skills in the construction and installation of a landscape design. Skills Canada expects 500-600 competitors from every province in over 40 different trades; 700-1000 delegates from across the country; and over 8,000 students and other visitors are expected to attend.

Anyone interested in supporting this event with in-kind contributions (with recognition of your support) please contact: Doug Conrad (Landscape Canada Committee), Chair, National Tech Committee (NTC) at landscape@eastlink.ca and Jamey Smith, ON-Site Host, NTC at reply@redoaklandscaping.pe.ca

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

CNLA Newsbrief

sponsored by :

WorldSkills Competition

From September 1-7, 2009, Calgary, Canada will host over 1,000 competitors from 51 countries at the 2009 World Skills Competition. This is a rare opportunity to host the world competition on “home turf”. Plans are underway for participation in this event.

WorldSkills is the pinnacle of excellence in skilled trades and technologies training, showcasing landscape gardening aptitude skills to over 150,000 spectators.

The next article will highlight the Sustainable Sites Initiative and newly formed partnerships we have forged in this regard. As excerpted from the press release: “The Sustainable Sites Initiative is a partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin and the United States Botanic Garden working in conjunction with a diverse group of stakeholder organizations to create a voluntary rating system for sustainable landscapes, large and small. In addition to the Founding Partners, major funding for the Sustainable Sites Initiative is provided by: the Meadows Foundation and Landscape Structures. Additional funding is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Horticultural Research Institute, the USDA Forest Service and the U.S. General Services Administration. For more information, visit www.sustainablesites.org.

January-February 2009

Association News continued SNLA Annual General Meeting

Tuesday March 17, 2009: Saskatoon SK This event will consist of the AGM, followed by a seminar presented by Harold Deenen, CLP. Wrapping up the evening will be the first SNLA Landscape Awards Ceremony, in partnership with Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association. For more information visit www.snla.ca and click on News & Events.

HortEast 2009 Moncton New Brunswick

November 24-25, 2009 We are proud to announce that there will be a HortEast Conference and Trade Show in 2009! The 2008 show in Nova Scotia was a great success and we hope with your help that HortEast 2009 in Moncton will be just as successful. For more information contact Rebecca Wetselaar at rebecca@canadanursery.com

Laurier MBA students take on plastic recycling project Wilfrid Laurier’s MBA Consulting Team will join CNLA to develop the national pot recycling program. The team of four MBA students has been assigned this innovative and environmentally friendly project, and will complete the ‘Feasibility Study of the Plastic Recycling Program’. CNLA and Landscape Ontario will still collect information from parties interested in participating in this national program. Members have offered to be recycling depots and will work with the recycling partners who will process the plastic generated by our industry and make this a viable program for our members. The marketing study will be completed in spring 2009, just in time to be implemented by the Project Manager, whose position is made possible by government funding for this project.

The plastic recycling initiative has been closely monitored by the CNLA’s Environment Committee and is one of the main items on the agenda for Garden Centres Canada.

According to a recent article that appeared Jan 7, 2009 in the New York Times entitled How Green Is Your Garden? A New Rating System May Tell You, by Anne Raver, she indicates: “The report also includes a point system for rating a landscape, much like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, which rates the sustainability of buildings.

The LEED system, created by the United States Green Building Council, a private group of architects, engineers, builders, manufacturers and others, has been around since 1993. But its ratings — even platinum, the highest one, so sought-after by green builders — focus much more on buildings than on the land around them.”

Klosing Comments

Good news for the green industry! “Building an addition, deck, fence, landscaping or retaining wall, laying new sod”, now eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit!

This announcement will be a great marketing tool for the professional entrepreneurs in our green industry.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

11

CNLA Newsbrief

sponsored by :

January-February 2009

Upcoming Test Dates British Columbia July 17-18, 2009 CHT, CLD, CLP Langley, BC

October 16-17, 2009 CHT, CLD, CLP Langley, BC

Alberta February 5, 2009 CLD, CLP Calgary, AB

March 24-25, 2009 CHT, CLD, CLP Olds, AB

Manitoba February 9, 2009 CHT (Softscape Installation Only), CLD, CLP Winnipeg, MB

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Ontario March 9, 2009 CHT (Written only) Milton, ON

April 15, 2009 CHT (Written only), CLD, CLP Milton, ON

July 16-17, 2009 CHT, CLD, CLP Milton, ON

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October 29, 2009 CHT (Retail Retest only) Milton, ON

December 9, 2009 CHT (Written), CLD, CLP Milton, ON

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40042205

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com