CNLA Newsbrief - November 2008

Newsbrief

CNLA Newsbrief

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November-December 2008

CNLA

November-December 2008

Green Industry News!

Vol. 17 Issue 7

Recognizing Excellence in the Green Industry

International Landscaping Inc., Landscape Ontario

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence is Canada’s green industry recognition for those companies that have actively participated in significantly raising the level of professionalism in their field.

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence is an initiative of Landscape Canada, commodity group of CNLA. Landscape Canada paved the way to get the Awards off the ground. It is because of the strong support of the sponsors, John Deere and Caterpillar, that the Awards continue to grow.

This year, seven provincial associations will enter their provincial awards winners to compete in the National Awards of Landscape Excellence. These provinces include: BC, AB, MB, ON, QC, NB and NS. There are two categories for competition: 1. Landscape Maintenance 2. Landscape Construction/Installation Each provincial association may enter up to three entries per category for a total of six entries per association. The panel of judges consists of industry professionals, garden writers, and educators; each judge receiving a complete package with all entries (containing

Look Inside: • • •

Red Seal Program Foreign Worker Insurance Highlights from 2008

photos, descriptions, and plans), along with a spreadsheet to enter their scoring data and provide commentary.

The sixth annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence will be held in Winnipeg, MB on Tuesday February 10, 2009. All Landscape Manitoba members are invited and encouraged to attend this gala event. The National Awards of Landscape Excellence will be held in conjunction with the Landscape Manitoba Awards of Excellence, the Manitoba Green Show, and the CNLA Board of Directors meeting. It will truly be a week of green industry excellence in Winnipeg, MB!

JVR Landscape (2006) Inc Lemkey Landscape Design Ltd Swiss Alpine Landscaping Ltd Watermark Gardens Pacifica Landscape Works International Landscape Inc Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc Ayles Natural Landscaping J.K. Fraser Landscaping & Construction Ltd Price Landscaping Services Markville Landscaping & Nursery Inc

Congratulations to the following entrants: Construction Daccord Webster Paysage Lorrain, Centre de jardin amenagement paysager Paysagiste Andryves enr.

Maintenance Down to Earth Gardening Clintar Groundskeeping Para Space Landscaping Inc The Third Little Pig Contracting Ltd Custom Lawn Care Dusty Miller Landscaping Evergreen Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance Ayles Natural Landscaping Price Landscaping Services

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Interior Conference Advanced Payment Program Emerald Ash Borer Update Certification Renewal Expo FIHOQ

Canadian wins PLANET award CNLA Greenlink Association News Landscape Priorities Around the World 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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Executive Board: Michael Murray - NL President

Christene LeVatte, CLP - NS Vice-President

Industry News Red Seal a Green

Paul Olsen - ON

Past President, Succession Chair

Bill Stensson - ON

Second Vice President, Growers Canada Chair

Cary van Zanten - BC Treasurer

Directors:

Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Human Resources Co-Chair

Jim Wotherspoon - AB LANTA Representative

Bill Hardy, CLP - BC

The landscape horticulture industry initiative to achieve Red Seal Status took a major step forward at a recent meeting of the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA). The application for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program for the landscape sector was approved. This decision starts a process that will lead to Red Seal status.

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 LMB Representative

Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Insurance Chair

Peter Levelton - BC

Environment Chair, BCLNA Representative

Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB

Member Services Chair, LNBHTA Representative

Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP - AB National Certification Chair

Staff: Victor Santacruz, CAE

Lydia Couture-Comtois

Executive Director victor@canadanursery.com

Executive Assistant lydia@canadanursery.com

Joseph Salemi, CAE

Julia Ricottone

Member Services Manager joseph@canadanursery.com

Certification Services julia@canadanursery.com

Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP

Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM

Professional & Business Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com

Rebecca Wetselaar

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

Alanna Wolf

HortProtect Marketing Co-ordinator Manager of Provincial Relations alanna@canadanursery.com rebecca@canadanursery.com

Michelle Gregory

Rita Weerdenburg

Growers Manager rita@canadanursery.com

Liz Klose, B.Sc., (Agr)

Landscape Priorities Manager liz@canadanursery.com

Provincial Relations Co-ordinator michelle@canadanursery.com

Agnes Zawartka

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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November-December 2008

The next step is for CCDA to place Landscape Horticulturist in its development schedule and begin work on validating a National Occupational Analysis (NOA). This will likely involve using the work developed by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA).

Once an NOA is established, Ontario will act as host province via the Ministry of Colleges, Training and Universities for exam development. This will include industry members, educators and apprenticeship specialists from each province tasked to create the item bank for the Red Seal examination.

The proposed name, Landscape Horticulturist, was forwarded for further discussion, but some variation of this name is expected to become the national title. This does not preclude provinces from retaining unique titles at their level.

Red Seal status will help the industry with labour mobility, public image and youth recruitment right across Canada, which may help alleviate the current labour shortages.

In provinces currently lacking an apprenticeship program, Red Seal status can expedite the process of achieving one. In provinces with existing programs, it is hoped that Red Seal will boost enrollment and completion statistics of apprentices. Special thanks to HRSDC, CAHRC, the NOA development volunteers, Terry Murphy, CLP, Dr. Abate Wori Abate, Doug Muir, and Linda Jones for their efforts making Red Seal status a reality.

Few details are available about how the test development committee will be comprised and how existing apprentices will be able to receive Red Seal status. Employees and

employers may now be eligible for the Apprentice Incentive Grant (AIG) you must be in a Red Seal trade program that is designated as such in the province or territory where you are registered as an apprentice. In 2008, Landscape-Horticulturist became a Red Seal trade in Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. Therefore people may now be eligible if they have completed your first or second level of apprenticeship training during the 2008 calendar year.

(Please visit the following website for application and eligibility information: www.servicecanada.gc.ca)

Foreign Worker Insurance Temporary foreign labour continues to be a viable option for landscape contractors in many parts of Canada using the Low Skill Worker program. One of the caveats of using this program as compared to the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) is that employers must provide health insurance for a gap period before provincial government programs take effect.

In response to member needs the HortProtect program now offers members the ability to purchase insurance for exactly this situation. With pricing starting at $55 per worker per month (more for family coverage, no medical required) employers have a cost effective method for providing equivalent coverage to the provincial health insurance program.

Employers looking to use the Low Skill Worker program are encouraged to contact The Investment Guild for more information on this product at (800) 459-8990.

Highlights from the year 2008 This past year saw CNLA actively involved in new programs and activities to promote and improve the ornamental horticulture industry. CNLA has worked to develop strong initiatives for political action, creating a database of members of parliament to gain support for the benefits of green space and to encourage the involvement of communities across the country. CNLA has joined the European Landscape Contractors Association.

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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The Landscape Canada committee is currently planning the sixth annual National Awards in Winnipeg, January 2009. CNLA continues to participate and support the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CARHC) in the development of apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training initiatives and careers promotion to high schools.

CNLA continues expanding its training programs with the development of the Certified Landscape Designers (CLD) manual and an occupational analysis for retail certification, along with assuming more provincial association testing responsibilities and aligning itself closely with U.S. certification through the Landscape Industry Certified program.

The staff at CNLA have been attending the provincial associations’ trade shows across the country. The Manitoba Green Show was a success, developing new initiatives and gaining membership recruitment, while the HortEast show, held in Halifax this past November saw the integration of Canada’s eastern green industry associations, and gained new members for each of the associations. As well, there are initiatives to hold a conference on sustainability in Newfoundland, seminars in New Brunswick and plans are in the works for a Spring 2009 event to be held in PEI.

November-December 2008

within the industry and advocating the use of plants in interior environments.

“There was a genuine spirit of unity in the industry that we haven’t seen before,” Raimondi said. “Hopefully this is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue that will uncover exciting possibilities for all of us to work together to educate industry professionals, and create a better, common understanding of the industry as a whole for everyone who is a part of it.”

The IIC will meet again during the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) 2009 and will be working on strategies and action items at that time. Any organization dealing with the interiorscape industry can contact Chris Raimondi, Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) Interior Specialty Group Chair, at (201) 445-1299.

HortProtect Rebate Correction In the previous issue of the Newsbrief along with a letter that went to participating members in the HortProtect program it was reported that there would be a reduction in premiums come the August 2009 renewal of the Health and Life program. It should have been more clearly stated as, the reduction in administrative costs will help to keep premium increases lower than they would be otherwise. In today’s world where health care costs continue to rise and more costs are downloaded to users it is very much expected that company health care costs will continue to rise, as it becomes more important to supplement health costs than ever for Canadian workers.

CNLA will be undertaking the upcoming year with keen enthusiasm and looks forward to serving and assisting our member associations in 2009.

Interior Conference Leads to New Partnerships A recent meeting of interior landscape professionals and representatives from organizations like PLANET, Landscape Ontario, and Green Plants for Green Buildings has lead to a more cohesive sector of the landscape industry. The group named itself the Interiorscape Industry Coalition (IIC) and defined its mission, as follows: To increase interiorscaping industry awareness, raise industry professionalism, and promote inclusion of plants in the interior environment through collaborative efforts of participating organizations.

The group agreed that the various associations should work together in partnering and sharing opportunities and in raising awareness of the industry. They also agreed to collaborate on increasing professionalism

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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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CNLA Newsbrief

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Growers Corner

November-December 2008

applicable credit checks, lien searches, lien registrations, and inspection charges. The administration fee will be applied once per crop year regardless of the number of advances within the crop year.

Advanced Payment Program

By Rita Weerdenburg

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association has been working with ACC Farmers Financial of Guelph, Ontario to make the Advance Payment Program available to nursery growers across Canada. A program of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Advance Payments Program (APP) is a financial loan guarantee program that gives producers easier access to credit through cash advances. This means improved cash flow throughout the year and better opportunities for marketing their agricultural products.

The limit on cash advances is $400,000 with the first $100,000 interest-free. The amount of loans available to growers is based on the value of harvested inventories. Growers must be participating in the AgriStability program to be eligible for the APP.

Due to the complexity of nursery inventories, the APP will first be introduced to the nursery sector on a pilot basis. In consultation with nursery growers, two groups of inventory listings (caliper trees and container shrubs) representing a large volume of annual sales, was developed. Price data was obtained from selected nurseries in BC, the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec. It is expected that all inventory will be eligible for phase II of the program, commencing in the spring of 2009. CNLA’s application is now pending approval from AAFC. The program will be administered across Canada by ACC Farmer’s Financial. A $500 administration fee will be deducted from the cheque issued and includes costs for

DPCP MANUAL CONSULTATIONS Hire a consultant to assist you with the preparation of your nursery’s Domestic Phytosanitary Certification Program (DPCP) manual.

Complete your consultation before December 31, 2008 and be eligible for greatly reduced consulting rates. Minimizing your company’s phytosanitary risk will never be easier or more affordable!

Cost per nursery: $125 for first person, $75 for each additional person.

For further information, contact Rita Weerdenburg at ritaw@canadanursry.com, or 888-446-3499, ext. 8686.

Emerald Ash Borer Update CFIA have reported additional new finds of emerald ash borer in Ontario, with Bluewater/Bayfield of Huron County being the most recent location added to the list of counties where this destructive pest has been found.

So far in 2008, the EAB has been found in Carignan, PQ, Ottawa, Brampton & Mississauga (Peel region), Oakville (Halton region), Vaughan (York region), Sault Ste. Marie (AlgomaDistrict) and recently in Bluewater/ Bayfield (Huron county).

It is not expected that any additional movement regulations will be put into place until late in 2008 or early 2009.

www.gurnee.il.us/public_works

Stop yourseexposing lf get ce to risk – rtified !

Consultations are now available in all provinces.

For more details, visit

www.cleanplants.ca or call 1-888-446-3499, ext. 8640

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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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November-December 2008

Coin de producteurs

recherches, d’inscription et d’inspections.

Ces frais ne seront payables qu’une fois par récolte, peu importe le nombre d’avances demandés pendant l’année.

Le programme de paiement anticipé

Pour plus d’information, contacter Rita Weerdenburg à ritaw@canadanursery.com ou au 1888-446-3499 poste 8686.

Mise- à jour sur l’agrile du frêne

By Rita Weerdenburg

L’association Canadienne des pépiniéristes et des paysagistes a travaillé avec la firme ACC Farmers Financial de Guelph en Ontario afin de rendre le programme de paiement anticipé accessible à tous les producteurs en pépinière du pays. Le Programme de paiement anticipé (PPA) est offert par Agriculture et d’Agroalimentaire Canada (AAC) et est un programme de garantie d’emprunt qui permet aux producteurs d’avoir accès plus facilement au crédit au moyen d’avances de fond. Cela signifie une meilleure liquidité de fonds tout au long de l’année et de meilleurs débouchés commerciaux pour leurs produits agricoles. La limite des avances de fonds est de 400 000$, et le premier 100 000$ consenti est exempt d’intérêts. Le nombre de prêts disponibles pour les producteurs est basé sur la valeur des inventaires à la récolte. Les producteurs doivent participer au programme Agri-Stabilité pour être éligible au PPA.

Vu la complexité des inventaires de pépinière, le PPA sera tout d’abord offert à titre expérimental. À la suite de consultation avec des producteurs, deux groupes d’inventaire représentant un grand volume des ventes annuelles ont été développés ( arbustes en pots et arbres). Les prix de ventes généraux ont été ramassés auprès de producteurs en Colombie-Britannique, en Ontario, dans les provinces des Prairies et au Québec. Nous nous attendons à ce que l’inventaire complet soit éligible pour la 2e phase du projet qui débutera au printemps 2009. L’AAC est présentement en train d’étudier l’application de l’association pour cette deuxième phase.

Le programme sera administré par ACC Farmer’s Financial à travers le pays. Des frais d’administration de $500 seront déduits du chèque reçu par le producteur afin de couvrir les frais de vérification de crédit, de

ATELIERS DE CONSULTATIONS POUR LE MANUEL PCAP

L’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments (ACIA) a confirmé la présence de l’agrile du frêne dans la municipalité de Bluewater / Bayfield dans le comté Huron de l’Ontario. Depuis le début de l’année 2008, la présence de l’agrile du frêne à été confirmé à Carignan, Qc, Otttawa, Brampton & Mississauga (région de Peel en Ontario), Oakville (région d’Halton en Ontario), Vaughan (région de York en Ontario), Sault Ste-Marie (district de l’Algoma) et finalement dans le comté d’Huron aussi en Ontario.

Aucune mesure réglementaire additionnelle n’est prévue avant la fin de 2008 ou le début de 2009.

www.gurnee.il.us/public_works

Arrê vous eter de aux xposer deven risques, ez cer tifié

Demander l’aide d’un expert qui peut vous assister dans la préparation de votre manuel pour le programme Canadien d’auto-certification en pépinière. Jusqu’au 31 décembre 2008, vous pouvez avoir accès à des taux réduits pour ce service. Réduire les risques phytosanitaires de votre compagnie ne sera jamais plus facile ou moins dispendieux!

Coût par pépinière: 125$ pour le premier participant et 75$ pour chaque participants additionnels.

Ateliers maintenant disponible dans toutes les provinces.

www.cleanplants.ca

Pour plus d’informations, consulter: ou téléphoner au 1-888-446-3499, ext.8640

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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November-December 2008

Certification Corner Cold Nights, Warm Pockets With cooler evenings readily available right across Canada now is excellent time to find the time to study for the Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) exam.

2008, Certification is Great 2008 has been a great year for certification in Canada. Restructuring the CHT evaluation has seen success in BC and Ontario, looks promising for the Atlantic Region and the Prairies next year, totally 151 CHT designations awarded. With greater flexibility for candidates by creating greater specialization and refocusing some of the content to the written exam to provide people with more opportunities the CHT program continues to evolve to create value for members.

It was a record year for CLP, with 19 new CLPs this year – the most ever in Canada in

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one year. The 2 first CLDs were awarded in Alberta, bringing the CLD program to a reality in the prairie region. The East coast also saw some firsts, with 6 well-deserving candidates being awarded Retail CHT in New Brunswick. Overall, certification has grown to include 1400 certifications awarded across Canada. Congratulations to everyone who achieved their CHT, CLD, or CLP this year!

You are now part of a growing community of professionals across the country. Anyone planning to become certified in 2009 is encouraged to prepare early for the many upcoming exams scheduled for next year.

CLP is a program for business owners and managers who want improve their enterprise. For most in our industry, time is the resource in shortest supply; however, by taking advantage of the ‘slow’ time, you will be better able to plan your time in the future and pursue excellence.

CLP is about prosperity, professionalism, productivity, profitability, promotion and people. The series of self-study manuals are designed to give you a foundation in the principles and theories that are key to running the most successful company you can. However it is only through application of what you have learned that you will truly be able to realize the value of the CLP program.

Many veterans in our industry who have completed the CLP program, have made comments about it replacing 20 years of trial and error learning. The ability to run a leaner operation in these uncertain times cannot be understated. From financial management, sales and marketing to human resources, CLP can help you improve the operation of your business.

So as the nights get cold, take an opportunity to spend some time preparing to challenge the CLP exam and ensure you have

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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warm pockets (lined with added profits) for next winter. As always there is a series of self-study manuals available through the CNLA office and many provincial associations are offering a CLP themed seminar series to help people discuss theories and practices in a facilitated environment. For more information please visit www.clp. canadanursery.com or call CNLA.

Our recent graduates!

Renee Kendel, CHT London, ON

Hugo T. Kroon, CHT Thornhill, ON

Pat Hester, CHT Barrie, ON

Liam Ross, CHT Barrie, ON

Adam Cook, CHT Kitchener, ON

Eric Wright, CHT Otterville, ON

James Heyink, CHT Mt. Hope, ON

Shawn Cabral, CHT Toronto, ON

Patrick Johnson, CHT Georgetown, ON

Jeff Scott, CHT Ottawa, ON

Stephen Barker, CHT Chris Bester, CHT Winchester, ON Niagara Falls, ON

November-December 2008

Ring in the New Year Renewal certification. Recertification is an important component to any recognized and respected program.

All certified individuals should check their passport or the mail before the holiday rush takes over. Anybody with a renewal date of January 1, 2009 or earlier is required to renew their certification in order to retain their status as a CHT, CLD, or CLP.

Starting in 2010 this process will be changing to an every two-year cycle and the break down of credit hours will be revised, but it will only serve to better ensure the high standards the CNLA certification programs are known for.

By now you should have received a notice by mail of your status and the required information needed to renew. This includes a small fee ($25) along with a combination of continuing education and service credits.

If you have questions about this year’s renewal, your status or did not receive notification please contact the CNLA office, at 1-888-446-3499, ext 8615 CNLA Newsbrief for Julia Ricottone.

This process ensures that all certified people remain active in the trade and continue to upgrade their skills and knowledge post-

Welcome, CNLA members.

Alan Malcolmson, CHT John Boot, CHT town?

Ridgeway, ON Ben Stormes, CHT Ridgeway, ON

Blair DeLazzer, CHT Ridgeway, ON

Gregory Rooke, CHT CHT Ridgeway, ON

Randy Andrew, Niagara Falls, ON

Scott Scherrer, CHT Kitchener, ON

Brian Traux, CHT Kitchener, ON

Steve Pudlo, CHT Burlington, ON

Paul Todd, CHT Burlington, ON

Jim Dikkeboom, CHT Andrew Muir, CHT Burlington, ON Burlington, ON Dave Hepburn, CHT Burlington, ON

Adam Arsenault, CHT Waterloo, ON

Chan Ko, CHT Mississauga, ON

Matt Burke, CHT Mt. Hope, ON

Phillip Collins, CHT Queensville, ON

John Ross, CHT London, ON

Anne VanElsen, CHT Georgetown, ON

Lindsay Wilton, CHT Georgetown, ON

Caroline Fuller, CHT Georgetown, ON

No one makes CNLA members feel more special than your local John Deere

Jennifer Strickland, CLP Cochrane, AB Andrew Thompson, CHT Kars, ON

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.

Jennifer Kiradziev, CHT Georgetown, ON Krystal Kretschmer, CHT Georgetown, ON

Nothing Runs Like a Deere.™

www.JohnDeere.com

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

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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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Association News

November-December 2008

The Original Green Industry on the Radar CNLA’s political action committee has been very active in raising the profile of the original green industry with federal government.

The committee was busiest during the recent federal election and again during the uncertain times with our federal leaders trying to do what’s best for Canadians.

Canadian Wins First PLANET Promise Award John van Roessel (right), CHT, CLP, of JVR Landscape in Alberta with PLANET President Jason Cupp (left), CLP

A CNLA member is the first recipient of the new PLANET Promise Award — John van Roessel, CHT, CLP, of JVR Landscape in Alberta. The award was presented by PLANET President Jason Cupp, CLP, at the recent PLANET Green Industry Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

“It was a tremendous honour to be awarded the PLANET Promise Award. Being the inaugural winner of this award makes it even more special,” says van Roessel. “I really have to share this award with all of the people that fueled and shared my passion and with those that helped guide my vision.”

The PLANET Promise Award recognizes exemplary industry participation and involvement by members in the delivery of the five goals of the PLANET Promise: • Deliver unparalleled value to PLANET members.

• Grow the green industry workforce.

• Expand PLANET’s position as the partner of choice.

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• Advance marketplace recognition.

• Influence through proactive advocacy.

“This year’s recipient has been able to deliver on all promises through his affiliation, dedication, and passion for our certification programs,” says Cupp. “Certification is an area within PLANET that has a direct impact in the real business world. John has dedicated countless hours to study, evaluate, comprehend, and implement the findings to ensure our certification test was occupationally appropriate.”

John is an active member of the CNLA certification committee as the representative for LANTA as well as being heavily involved in the Alberta CHT test. John volunteers his time for the Southern Chapter and towards other educational projects related to certification. Congratulations John, thank you for all your time and dedication!

Letter campaigns were initiated to all Members of Parliament congratulating them on winning their seat in the House of Commons and informing them that the green industry is more than energy efficient light bulbs and fuel efficient vehicles. CNLA provided information referenced from the George Morris Centre’s report on the benefits of ornamental horticulture products. Planting shrubs, other plant material, and healthy lawns also contribute similarly to trees in offsetting carbon emissions.

To date, the letter campaigns have been very well received with strong feedback from many elected officials.

CNLA’s political action committee is now looking for members to champion their efforts. They are very aware that many members are very well connected and know some very key individuals. They are also aware that there are even some members that managed some of the campaigns in the recent federal election.

If you have a strong connection that may be able to further the mandate of the CNLA political action committee, please let them know. Contact the CNLA office and speak with Joseph Salemi, CAE (Member Services Manager) toll free: 1-888-446-3499 or by email: joseph@canadanursery.com.

Des nouvelles de l’AQPP La 24e édition de l’exposition de la FIHOQ a eu lieu au Québec, du 19 au 21 novembre dernier. De nombreuses conférences ont attiré une plénitude de participants, notamment le déjeuner causerie de l’association Québécoise des producteurs en pépinière (AQPP). Ce déjeuner invitait les producteurs à découvrir les avantages des biostimulants. Le déjeuner se poursuivit ensuite avec le populaire panel de discussion. Cette discussion a offert la possibilité aux membres de l’AQPP de

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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questionner leurs clients sur les tendances et les produits vedettes ainsi que discuter des problématiques et de solutions potentielles.

Parmi les autres efforts de l’AQPP, il va sans dire que l’un des plus appréciés est le répertoire des végétaux recommandés pour la végétalisation des bandes riveraines du Québec. Ce guide offre une solution aux problèmes de la cyanobactérie qui affecte plusieurs des lacs et des rivières de la province tout en sensibilisant le public aux bienfaits de notre industrie. Le guide s’accompagne aussi d’un pictogramme qui aidera le public à identifier les plantes sur le lieu de vente et le nouveau site de l’AQPP offrira la possibilité de faire une recherche pour identifier les plantes les mieux adaptés aux besoins de chacun.

News from Quebec From November 19- 21st in Quebec, FIHOQ held its 24th tradeshow. Many conferences attracted a full range of participants, including the breakfast event held by the Quebec Association of Nursery producers (AQPP). The event gave the producers a great opportunity to discover biostimulants. The industry panel that followed provided members of the AQPP with a great venue to ask their customers about trends and market leaders and discuss issues and potential solutions.

Another great AQPP contribution to this industry is the Quebec directory of plants recommended for riparian re-vegetation.

This guide offers a solution to a bacterium currently affecting several lakes and rivers in the province, while also educating the public on the benefits of our industry. The guide comes with a symbol that may be use to help customer identify those plants at the point of sale and the AQPP website will offer the ability to search plants best suited to individual.

Taxonomic Shift Tabled A title change, proposed several years ago to better reflect the operating structure of the BCLNA, came to a membership vote at the November 14th general meeting.

The proposed change would have seen the current title of president changed to “Chair of the Board,” while the executive director would have assumed the role of “President.” In generally agreed-upon corporate lingo, the chair is senior to the president and responsible for the leading the board in determining an association’s strategic direction;

November-December 2008

however, the president (or president/CEO) is responsible for the day-to-day operations.

While members agreed that the board is indeed a strategic one, they commented that such a change should be put forth to CNLA and the provincial associations, so that the network might make the switch together.

In doing so, staff and boards of the entire network would maintain a parallel structure.

The motion was tabled, but BCLNA members are expected to bring up the topic for discussion at the national level.

Three New Directors Elected BCLNA is pleased to welcome three new directors to the board, as of the November 14th Annual General Meeting. Joining the board for the first time are Blair Veitch, District Manager of The Davey Tree Expert Company (Vancouver) and Mike Byland, who handles corporate, U.S.A. and Ontario sales for Bylands Nurseries Ltd. Veitch’s role with the Urban Forest Council is hoped to strengthen arborists’ representation on the board, while Byland will provide a muchneeded voice from B.C.’s Interior and Okanagan professionals.

Returning to the board after a hiatus is Jeff Hicks, Pickett’s Nursery Ltd. Hicks has a long history as Growers’ chair on both the BCLNA and CNLA boards, currently sits on the Western Agriculture Labour Initiative steering committee, and is involved with the North American Plant Protection Organization.

With much appreciation for their service, we bid farewell to retiring Landscape Chair Barbra Fairclough, FarmHouse Gardens, Director-at-Large Richard Desmarteau, Liard Horticultural Enterprises Inc., and Past President Peter Levelton, East Richmond Nurseries Inc., who leaves BCLNA after a decade on its board. We also extend sincere thanks to Fred Giesbrecht, whose term as president concludes this year, and congratulate Ruth Olde who is BCLNA’s first female president in its 55-year history.

Reprinted with permission from HortWest Magazine, www.bclna.com.

Recently Translated The Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock has been translated into French and will soon be available for distribution through the national office. Contact the CNLA office at 888-446-3499 or check the website at

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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

9

CNLA Newsbrief

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November-December 2008

Association News

www.canadanursery.com for further information.

Fraîchement Traduit La publication sur les normes de production en pépinières Canadiennes vient récemment d’être traduite en français et sera sous peu disponible pour distribution aux membres de la CNLA. Pour plus d’information, contacter nos bureaux au 1-888-446-3499 ou visiter notre site internet, www.canadanursery.com.

Landscape OnSites CNLA’s Landscape Canada committee has developed an on the job training manual.

Landscape OnSites consists of over 60 on the job training sessions that take approximately fifteen minutes each to deliver. Topics range from technical sessions to safety sessions, including: - small engine maintenance - defensive driving - edging - grading and drainage - IPM - plan reading - common sense safety - plant layout

2009 Manitoba Green Show 2009 Manitoba Green Show will be held in conjunction with CNLA Winter Board Meeting and National Awards of Landscape Excellence on February 10-11th, 2009 at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg. This is a green industry trade show and conference, with cuttingedge speakers, a New Product Showcase area and over 60 booths featuring exhibitors from across Canada and the U.S. We are excited to be hosting CNLA’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence Gala in conjunction with our regular Awards of Excellence event.

The 2009 show will feature: • Landscape Manitoba’s Annual General Meeting • Seminars that will appeal to landscapers, garden centers, nursery growers and more!

• Certification testing (CLP, CLD), and CHT test stations on the show floor • A New Product Showcase area For more information on the 2009 show, contact Rebecca Wetselaar, Landscape Manitoba Trade Show Coordinator, at 1-866383-4711 or rebecca@canadanursery.com, or visit www.landscapemanitoba.com.

CNLA CNLA members can subscribe to the CNLA Greenlink via www.canadanursery.com. You will receive a welcome email and tips on how to use the CNLA Greenlink to your advantage along with some listserve etiquette for those that are new to this type of service.

This is another value added service that CNLA is offering to members only. CNLA members will not be billed to use this service.

If you’re facing a quandary, want to share a successful business tip, or need to bounce an idea off others, this is the place for you.

CNLA GreenLink gives you instant access to others in the industry who work on the same challenges that you do. Whether you are dealing with staff recruitment struggles, or are looking for a more efficient way to track your inventory, CNLA GreenLink generates learning experiences and advice instantly.

CNLA GreenLink welcomes any conversations, general or specific comments, or questions about your business and your industry; only CNLA members have access to this resource.

We encourage you to contribute and respond often. This is your online community!

The list goes on, but the intent of Landscape OnSites is to provide your crews with a quick on the job training refresher that will get them in the right frame of mind. Landscape OnSite sessions could be delivered when the crew arrives on the job site, during a break, or at the end of the day.

The publication comes complete with directions for the crew leader on how to successfully deliver the OnSite sessions.

World’s Rosarians to convene in Vancouver

CNLA members in the landscape sector will have received one free hard copy with an option to purchase additional copies if needed. Landscape OnSites is also available on the CNLA website for all members to download for free.

For more information on the Festival and to sign up for the e-newsletter, visit www. worldrosefestival.com. For more information on the Convention and to register, visit www.worldrose-vancouver2009.com.

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The World Rose Convention and Festival 2009 is being held from June 18 to 24, 2009 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver. Over 800 rosarians from 40 countries will come together for seven days of lectures, workshops, idea exchanges, research, garden tours and more. This event is the ultimate rose experience.

In addition to the Convention, the World Rose Festival, featuring the World Rose Show, is being held from June 19 to 21, 2009 at the newly expanded Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. An anticipated 15,000 flower enthusiasts from the general public will come to learn and share everything about the rose.

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

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Landscaper’s Corner Landscape Priorities Report

By Liz Klose

The Landscape Canada Committee’s focus remains on the priorties established at this summers Landscape Summit. Regular communication by the committee has begun to establish the framework for a detailed action plan. A more formalized committee structure, including, six members have accepted a portfolios aligned with the 6 key priorities

sharing of ideas and solutions in both directions.

The Landscape Canada Committee consists of: • Chair: Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLD, CLP (BC) • Past Chair: Rene Thiebaud, CLP (ON) • Skills Canada: Doug Conrad CHT, CLD, CLP (NS) • Labour: Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP (AB) and Barry Paxton, CLP (AB) • Public Image: Brian Cocks CHT (ON) • Professional Development: Gerald Boot, CLP (ON) • Environment: Fred Hann (NB) • Government Support: Brian Ramor, CHT (BC) • Membership and Standards: Christene LeVatte CLP (NS)

Reminder!

The committee is working with the provincial associations to develop a comprehensive list of all board and committee members across the country with related portfolios aligned with the priorities.

This will foster a greater communication link and

As members of the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA), the CNLA receives updates from ELCA. In the future this column will feature excerpts from the reports to keep you informed on the European green industry.

Soon you will be posting jobs for labourer positions. Please remember to also post these positions on the Service Canada website www.jobbank.gc.ca select your language then click in the Employers section click on “Post a Job”. By completing this process it facilitates validating the salary range data provide by HRSDC for the Low Skill Foreign Labour Program and other government statistics. It is also a great way to meet requirements of the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) application process.

November-December 2008

Establishing values for green UNEP President Emmanuel Mony reported on the situation of the landscaping industry in France. In his statement he demanded that the effects of green should be better anchored in legislation. For this purpose the Union Nationale des Entrepreneurs du Paysage (UNEP) has submitted 20 proposals to better evaluate the value of green in towns in regard to its climate and health effects.

Mony also requested support for the idea of using the green waste generated in the landscape gardening industry as biomass for generating energy and to gain positive CO2 effects this President Emmanuel Mony way. Finally he speaking at the ELCA meeting. pointed out the big importance of the more than 13,500 landscape gardening businesses in France, that are important for the French labour market.

In Europe: Lobby Work for Green ELCA President Antoine Berger in his speech described the necessity of a strong lobby for green in Europe and underlined the big success of the continued European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) work.

France especially being an important partner of the ELCA is the motor for innovations and gives impulses for the whole President Antoine Berger praises of Europe. the preparedness of the landBerger sees the scape industry in Europe for the landscape garcoming years. den industry in Europe as being well prepared for the future. This is confirmed by the by the new high number of vocational training places. In all according to Berger the industry employs more than 350,000 employees, tendency increasing.

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

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November-December 2008

Upcoming Test Dates British Columbia

• January 29, 2009 CHT (Written only), CLD, CLP Cloverdale, BC • July 17-18, 2009 CHT, CLD, CLP Langley, BC • October 16-17 CHT, CLD, CLP Langley, BC

Alberta

• March 24-25, 2009 CHT Olds, AB

Manitoba

• February 2009 (tentative) CHT (Softscape Installation Only), CLD, CLP Winnipeg, MB

Ontario

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• December 8, 2008 CLD, CLP Milton, ON • 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 • August 13-14, 2009 CHT Ottawa, ON • August 19-20, 2009 CHT (Retail only) Milton, ON

Altantic Region

• April 17-18, 2009 CHT Truro, NS

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