Winter Newsbrief 2020

WINTER 2020 - VOL 29 ISSUE 4

Canada's Green Industry News

INSIDE • Green Spaces: Where People Find Common Ground • Garden Centres Canada Summit 2021 • Supporting Women in Trades (SWiT) • Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) • News from the European Landscape Contractors Association • The Elm Zigzag Sawfly

SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS INSURANCE INSIDE: Tips for taking control of your underwriting information

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Managing your information in a challenging market CHALLENGING CONDITIONS currently exist with respect to the cost and availability of insurance for contractors involved in snow removal operations. Regarding cost, some reports indicate that overall insurance premiums have increased on average by nearly 19% in 2020.* Although there are only a couple of consistent coverage options now available to members of CNLA provincial associations, there are certain steps that each operator can take to manage this environment in the best way possible. This can give snow removal contractors an opportunity to procure the most favourable coverage solution(s) that the marketplace offers.

The snow removal sector in Canada has historically been challenged to consistently obtain cost-effective insurance for a number of reasons including: • The lack of hurdles for claims to be made against an operator.

• A settle vs. defend tendency from insurers resulting in more claim payouts.

• A two-year windows to report allows for more claims to be made..

• One-sided contracts.

• Medical cost inflation.

• Cost of claims greater than the premium charged by insurers.

Landscape Ontario (LO) is currently lobbying to effect change to Ontario’s legislation surrounding how slip and falls are reported. This may, in time, have a positive impact for the industry and will also hopefully be adopted by other provinces in future. In addition to these efforts, moving towards the accreditation of snow contractors (using models that exist south of the border) is expected to yield positive results for the sector over time.

At present, more insurers are leaving the sector than there are insurers willing to offer coverage to snow removal operators. This poses challenges to the short-term viability of many small, often multi-generational, businesses that have been in existence for decades. Recognizing these challenges, it is important to focus on what you can control rather than lamenting current insurance

market conditions. The value your insurance broker can bring to this type of situation should be carefully considered. Choosing the right broker, with specific knowledge of the snow removal sector and relevant market relationships, can make the difference in obtaining a successful insurance placement.

WHAT ELSE CAN A CONTRACTOR DO? Take control of your underwriting information. This is paramount to navigating the market and the number one variable that the contractor has the ability to manage amid a number of challenging factors. Being organized and having a firm understanding of the underwriting information required will allow your broker to present an accurate and clear picture of your business’ insurance history as well as expected exposure for the coming year. Your business’ underwriting information should include: 1. A Five-Year Loss History including: a. The status of each individual claim. b.

Property specific information about where your claims occurred, helping to identify challenging locations causing the majority of the claim issues.

c. What you as the contractor have

done to manage any recurring problems.

2. Accurate lists for vehicles, equipment, and drivers.

3. Copies of all current snow removal contracts as your potential insurers will want to review all contracts before offering insurance coverage. Regarding contract language, remember LO has some preferred contract wording available to use as a guide.

Work well ahead of your renewal date.

In the best of times, the turnaround time for insurance placement could take seven to ten days. In a challenging market, the operator should be CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

EXECUTIVE BOARD President Phil Paxton, CLHT, CLHM - AB Past President Bruce Hunter, CLHT, CLD, CLHM - BC First Vice President Gerald Boot, CLHM - ON Second Vice President Anthony O’Neill - NL Treasurer & Bill Hardy, CLHM - BC Communications Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BCLNA Michael Kato - BC

Landscape AB Jeff Oudyk - AB

Landscape SK Aaron Krahn - SK

MBNLA Guy Dowhy, RSE, CLHT, CLHM - MB

Landscape ON Paul Brydges, CLD - ON

Landscape NS & Robin Godfrey - NS

Garden Centres Canada Chair

Landscape NB/PEI & Kevin Nauss, CLHM - NB

Member Services Chair

Landscape NL Peggy Head - NL

Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLHM - ON Climate Change Adaptation Chair Alan White - ON

Landscape Canada Chair Leslie Cornell, RSE - SK

Research Chair Vic Krahn, CLHT - SK

Government Relations Co-Chair Christene LeVatte - NS

Government Relations Co-Chair Michael Murray - NL Professional Development Chair Jeff Foley, CLHT, CLHM - BC

Growers Canada Chair Anita Heuver - AB

Insurance Chair Rene Thiebaud, CLHM - ON STAFF

Executive Director Victor Santacruz, CLHM, CAE victor@cnla-acpp.ca

Deputy Executive Director Rebecca Doutre, CLHM, CAE

rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca

Executive Assistant & Cheryl Gall, CAE

Office Manager cheryl@cnla-acpp.ca

Growers Manager Jamie Aalbers jamie@cnla-acpp.ca

Communities in Bloom Sonia Parrino

Program Coordinator bloom@cib-cef.com

Landscape & Retail Sector Anne Kadwell,NPD, CLHT

Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca

Industry Human Resources & Leslie Sison

Government Relations leslie@cnla-acpp.ca

Communications Dave Mazur

Specialist dave@cnla-acpp.ca

Communications Andrew Dmytrasz

Coordinator andrew@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services, Teagan Giddings

COPF & Special Projects teagan@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services, Megan Farias

COPF Administration megan@cnla-acpp.ca

Professional Development Edith Oyosoro edith@cnla-acpp.ca

Lauryn Mullan lauryn@cnla-acpp.ca Environmental Policy Coordinator Frydda Sandoval frydda@cnla-acpp.ca

Minor Use/IPM Coordinator Peter Isaacson B.Sc. MPM peter@cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF SPONSORED BY :

INDUSTRY NEWS proactive and attempt to be working two to three months ahead of a renewal date.

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

Moving through these steps, and having a firm understanding of all of the information above, will unfortunately not guarantee a coverage option from any insurer. However, it will help position the operator in the most favourable way possible when they are ready to approach the insurance market. * marsh.com/ca/en/insights/research/ global-insurance-market-index-q2-2020.html FOR OUR LATEST INSIGHTS/INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19 VISIT: marsh.com/ca/en/insights/research/ pandemic-risk-hub.html This article and any recommendations, analysis, or advice provided by Marsh (collectively, the “Marsh Analysis”) are not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. This document contains proprietary, confidential information of Marsh and may not be shared with any third party, including other insurance producers, without Marsh’s prior written consent. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. Any modelling, analytics, or projections are subject to inherent uncertainty, and the Marsh Analysis could be materially affected if any underlying assumptions, conditions, information, or factors are inaccurate or incomplete or should change. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. Except as may be set forth in an agreement between you and Marsh, Marsh shall have no obligation to update the Marsh Analysis and shall have no liability to you or any other party with regard to the Marsh Analysis or to any services provided by a third party to you or Marsh. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage.

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CLIMATE CHANGE & ADAPTATION

WHERE PEOPLE FIND COMMON GROUND KEY RESULTS FROM THE 2016 Census on population size and growth in Canada revealed that urbanization has resulted in more than eighty percent of Canadians living in cities and urban areas. The census shows the country's urbanization trend continues with big cities experiencing significant internal population shifts with faster growth in the suburbs. As Canadian cities grow, it has also brought challenges, including environmental degradation, loss of natural habitat, the decline in species diversity, and increased human health risks associated with heat, noise, pollution and crowding.

One of the first responses to reduce the spread of COVID-19 was the closure of parks to the public, while Canadians were called to stay home and limit the virus's spread.

The federal government suspended all visitor services, group activities and events at all national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals and national marine conservation areas. Simultaneously, various cities closed playgrounds, parks, and outdoor spaces for recreation, following the measures to discourage congregating groups.

While necessary, these restrictions may adversely impact the physical and mental health of people who cannot visit them. As cabin fever set in and the COVID-19 cases began to slow down, restrictions began to ease. More than ever before, the pandemic shed light on the crucial role that parks, and green spaces play in making our cities resilient.

Adding a further layer of complexity to an already challenging situation, it is also apparent that the harm caused by COVID-19 has not been equitable, particularly for those living in crowded housing situations.

The 2017 Households and the Environment Survey included questions about a household's access to and use of parks and public green spaces, both those close to home and elsewhere. The survey variables, such as location, household composition and dwelling type, provide insight into how much impact the restrictions due to COVID-19 may have on Canadian households.

•

In 2017, 87% of Canadian households reported having a park within a ten-minute journey of their home.

•

In some households, 13% informed they did not have a park or green space close to home. Of these, 39% reported that they visited a park or greenery during the previous 12 months.

•

Of the households with children that reported a park close to home in 2017, 95% visited the park. In contrast, only 82% of households without children near a park visited the natural areas.

•

About three-quarters, 76% of households with an income of less than $20,000 per year stated having access to a nearby park, compared to 95% of households with an annual income of $150,000 or more. Similarly, the likelihood that a family with a nearby park had visited that park ranged from 73% of households in the lowest income bracket to 94% in the highest bracket.

Historically, parks have served low to moderate income citizens who don't necessarily have the resources to escape to nature outside the cities. Green spaces are intended to be for everyone. But that's not always the case due to physical factors such as accessibility or socioeconomic factors based on race, class or housing status. With the pandemic affecting almost every facet of life as we know it, the connection of health, social, economic and environmental issues have never been more evident.

People in urban settings where grey infrastructure has taken over most of the area benefit from contact with nature. Green spaces provide a means of increasing contact with nature for a community, whether people are walking their dogs, taking their children out to play, sitting on a bench, or working in a community garden. They provide enhanced value to an area, lower crime rates and provide many economic benefits. It is time that green spaces are recognized for all the value they provide.

The Climate Change & Adaptation committee is tasked with researching and promoting efforts to combat and adapt to the effects of climate change through Canadian Green Industry solutions.

FOR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Frydda Sandoval, Environment Coordinator 1.888.446.3499 ext 8695, frydda@cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

GARDEN CENTRES CANADA

JULY 11-13, 2021 - EDMONTON

Summit 2021 is a Go! PLANS ARE UNDERWAY to hold

an in-person Garden Centres Canada Summit in Edmonton on July 11-13, 2021.

Corey Bordine, our keynote speaker is committed to attend and efforts are ongoing to secure more industry experts to speak about merchandizing, social media engagement and much more.

The Summit is proving to be a muchanticipated gathering of garden centre owners and operators across Canada eager to get together to discuss how the uniqueness of 2020 has affected the sector. The event will include a full day each of interactive garden centre tours and presentations.

Participants will get to share their experiences, be inspired and learn from each another.

Garden Centres Canada Webinar A BIG THANK YOU to those who joined

Dr. Hall’s webinar ‘Planning Around an Uncertain COVID-19 Future’. This was our first Garden Centres Canada webinar and there was a lot to take in, including discussion about the state of our economy, where people are spending money and what happens next.

The webinar recording is available for anyone interested in watching it back. Click on: https://www.youtube.com/ user/CNLA/videos There is success in collaboration and the GCC is intent on creating platforms for garden

centres to continue to come together to share ideas, brainstorm and learn from one another.

Your participation will increase benefits from these events and provide a platform for you to advance the sector.

IGCA Congress LIKE MANY EVENTS, the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress is postponed until further notice.

Nevertheless, IGCA members will have the opportunity to continue to connect on virtual tours of garden centres around the world. Each day will feature a different country and the events will be recorded for members to view from the IGCA Facebook page.

Click to join: www.facebook.com/groups/ igcavirtual2020

FOR QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: Anne Kadwell, NPD, CLHT Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist 1.888.446.3499 ext 8695, anne@cnla-acpp.ca

SPECIAL THANKS TO SIPKENS GARDEN CENTRE WYOMING, ONTARIO The entire team got together and developed an amazing video of their store and how they implemented COVID guidelines. Their video was creative, fun and inspirational. Thank you Sipkens for representing Canada in the IGCA’s 2020 Virtual Garden Tour.

THANK YOU! We would like to thank everyone for their dedication and input throughout 2020. It was a year like no other and we came together to support one another through cooperation and advocacy.

May you all have a restful, healthy and happy holiday with your families.

Robin Godfrey & The GCC Committee

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

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ENHANCING GREEN SPACES IN COMMUNITIES

MISE EN VALEUR DES ESPACES VERTS AU SEIN DES COLLECTIVES

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR 2020 WINNERS! FÉLICITATIONS À TOUS NOS GAGNANTS 2020!

Millet, AB - Pincher Creek, AB - Castlegar, BC - Tignish, PE Yarmouth, NS - Wood Buffalo, AB - Melfort, SK - Coquitlam, BC

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS & PARTNERS UN MERCI SPÉCIAL À NOS COMMANDITAIRES ET PARTENAIRES NATIONAUX

WE SHARE YOUR STORIES

communitiesinbloom.ca // collectivitesenfleurs.ca

INDUSTRY HUMAN RESOURCES The national strategy for Supporting Women in Trades (SWiT) was built on action items identified by a 2019 task force and establishes national targets for increased participation and retention of women in skilled trades careers.

Become a Champion for Change THE CFA-FCA HAVE EXCITING news about commencement of the promotion and launch phase of their national strategy to Support Women in the Trades (SWiT). The strategy document and website landing page went live on October 1, 2020, coinciding with National Women’s History Month. CNLA has participated in the SWiT Task Force, ensuring our industry’s needs are well represented.

The #Champions4Change pledge form is active and submissions from organizations who wish to show their commitment by being early adopters of the strategy are being processed. Members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and recommend it to potential Champions. #Champions4Change who take the pledge

will be acknowledged on the landing page in CAF- FCA newsletters and other communications. They will also be profiled in the National Post’s Women in Trades media campaign in December 2020.

WHY SHOULD AN ORGANIZATION TAKE THE PLEDGE? By taking the pledge you are showing your leadership on this front publicly. Having your logo on the Champions page will provide you with positive exposure and can be used as an effective recruitment tool.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO BE ON THE CHAMPIONS PAGE? There is no cost to having your logo on the Champions page. The requirements are to submit a completed pledge form, grant consent to share your statistics publicly and complete a short CAF survey. In addition, you should agree to share your yearly numbers with CAF for each year your logo remains on the Champions page.

EI rates set for 2021 THE CANADA EMPLOYMENT insurance commission (CEIC) set the 2021 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate at $1.58 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.21 for employers who pay 1.4 times the employee rate, which is unchanged from the 2020 premium rate.

The Senior Actuary forecasted the seven-year break-even premium rate to be $1.93 per $100 of insurable earnings, an increase of 35 cents.

The forecasted increase is mainly attributable to a rise in unemployment resulting from the pandemic, that is the Government of Canada’s response through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (29 cents) and temporary measures to support transition back to the EI program (6 cents). However, as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada used its authority

WHAT DO I GET FOR SIGNING UP AS A CHAMPION AND TAKING THE PLEDGE? Once your pledge is reviewed and accepted, your logo will be added to the Champions page. On a regular basis, CAF-FCA will highlight Champions4Change champions in social media. Champions will also be recognized at the National Apprenticeship Conference in February 2021 and highlighted at the Supporting Women in Trades Conference in June 2021.

This is an exciting moment for the Canadian apprenticeship community, and for women in trades!

More information on the initiative can be found at switcanada.caf-fca.org

and 5/12 respectively, in recognition of savings generated to the EI program by employer registered short-term wage-loss plans.

under the Employment Insurance Act to temporarily limit the change in the premium rate to zero in order to freeze the EI premium rate for 2021 and 2022 at the 2020 level.

The CEIC also announced that the Maximum Insurable Earnings (MIE) for 2021 will increase to $56,300 from $54,200 in 2020. The MIE is indexed on an annual basis and represents the ceiling up to which EI premiums are collected and the maximum amount considered in applications for EI benefits. The maximum annual EI contribution for a worker will increase by $33.18 to $889.54 (up $46.46 for employers to $1,245.36 per employee).

Furthermore, the Premium Reduction Program (PRP) will provide roughly $1.055 billion in premium reductions in 2021 to registered employers and their employees, shared 7/12

Finally, for self-employed Canadians who have opted-in to the EI program, the annual earnings required in 2020 will increase to $7,555 for claims filed in 2021. The level of earnings required for self-employed Canadians to be eligible for EI special benefits is indexed annually to the MIE. The premium rate in 2021 for residents of Quebec covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) will be $1.18 per $100 of insurable earnings, while their employers will pay $1.65 per $100 of insurable earnings.

The maximum annual contribution for a worker in Quebec will increase by $13.94 to $664.34 (up $19.52 for employers to $930.08 per employee). EI premium rates are different for residents of Quebec, because CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

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INDUSTRY HUMAN RESOURCES the province of Quebec administers its own parental insurance plan, which is financed

by Quebec workers and their employers.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) CEBA provides zero-interest loans up to $40,000 to small business that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19 but face ongoing nondeferrable costs, such as rent, utilities, insurance, taxes and wages. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).

on or prior to March 1, 2020 And either; • meet the payroll eligibility criteria; or • demonstrate a minimum of $40,000 in eligible non-deferrable expenses and have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.

To assess their eligibility for CEBA, applicants can use the pre-screening tool on the CEBA website. To apply for CEBA, businesses should contact their financial institution and provide the appropriate information and documentation.

Applicants may contact the CEBA. To receive a status update on a completed CEBA application, call: 1-888-324-4201

To be eligible, businesses must have been operating as a business as of March 1, 2020, must successfully open a business account at a Canadian financial institution that is participating in CEBA, and meet the other existing CEBA eligibility criteria. The deadline to apply for CEBA is December 31, 2020.

CEBA is part of the Government of Canada’s economic response plan to help Canadians and Canadian businesses deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Increasing the payroll eligibility range from between $50,000 and $1.0 million to between $20,000 and $1.5 million; • Making CEBA available to owneroperated small businesses that do not have a payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll.

To qualify for CEBA, all applicants must have: • An active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number with an effective date of registration

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

WHAT COVID-19 RELATED TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS? • Like all travellers, workers will be screened prior to boarding an international flight to Canada. Workers who present with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to travel • Travellers must wear a non-medical mask or face-covering prior to boarding the plane in their country of origin, on the plane ride, when deplaning, and in transit to their quarantine destination • Upon arrival in Canada, workers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and should ensure that they have the following information handy: (1) their final destination, (2) employer contact information, and (3) quarantine plan.

The quarantine plan includes providing details on how the worker will get to their quarantine location, how they will obtain food and basic supplies, and assurance that they are not quarantining with anyone over the age of 65 or in a high-risk category. If they are deemed to be asymptomatic (no symptoms), and meet entry requirements, they will be permitted to travel onwards, including via a connecting flight, to their housing where they must quarantine for 14 days.

CEBA IS NOW OPEN to businesses using a personal business account. The Government of Canada is providing continued support to small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them adapt and position their businesses for recovery.

Since its launch, the government has made modifications to CEBA to help even more small businesses, including:

Program (SAWP). Below are a number of the FAQs regarding the program. More can be found at the Government website Canada.ca

Monday - Friday - 8am to 9pm EST

Temporary Foreign Workers & COVID-19 2020 HAS PRESENTED a number of challenges and it looks like these will continue on into at least the first half of 2021. Among the changes that have had to be made to how businesses are run, there are also new considerations and challenges to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), including the Seasonal Agricultural Worker

• If they have symptoms upon arrival, and do not have private transportation to an adequate place to isolate, they may be required to isolate for 14 days in a place designated by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) of Canada. Once they have recovered, their admissibility to Canada will be assessed and, if applicable, they may be permitted to travel onwards to their final destination.

ARE WORKERS ELIGIBLE FOR CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB) DURING THE INITIAL QUARANTINE PERIOD? • No. Temporary foreign workers are not eligible to receive the CERB for the initial quarantine period upon arrival to Canada.

If they do receive money through CERB during this initial quarantine period, they will be required to repay it later.

Employers are responsible for paying

INDUSTRY HUMAN RESOURCES their temporary foreign workers for a minimum 30 hours per week during quarantine, and at the hourly rate of pay specified on the Labour Market Impact Assessment and/or offer of employment.

This is consistent with the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program’s genuineness policy, which indicates that reasonable employment needs are a full time workload (for example, a minimum of 30 hours per week).

• The initial quarantine period applies each time a temporary foreign worker enters Canada, even if they are returning to their employment, such as after a vacation or absence outside of the country.

Therefore, the employer must pay wages to the worker for that period, and the worker should not apply to the CERB. • Should a worker become ill at any time following the initial quarantine period, they may be eligible for government emergency benefits, such as CERB. FOR EMPLOYERS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE HOUSING, DO THE PHYSICAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS APPLY ONLY DURING THE QUARANTINE PERIOD, OR FOR THE WORKER’S ENTIRE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT? • The requirement for the employer to provide housing which ensures that workers remain two metres apart applies specifically during the

mandatory quarantine period.

• If a new person is housed in the same accommodations where other workers have already begun the mandatory quarantine period, all of the workers in the same accommodations will be required to re-start their mandatory quarantine period. The workers must be paid by the employer for the full duration of this extended quarantine period.

for the extended quarantine period.

• If the worker becomes ill after the initial quarantine period, they may be entitled to either paid or unpaid sick leave, depending on their employment contract and the relevant federal, provincial or territorial employment standards. This could include new provisions in several jurisdictions for job-protected leave because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• It is recommended that workers continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene habits beyond the two-week period, in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Employer-provided housing that enables this would support public health objectives.

• A worker may also be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). In both cases, temporary foreign workers are subject to the same eligibility criteria as Canadians and permanent residents.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A WORKER BECOMES SICK WITH COVID-19?

• If a worker becomes symptomatic at any time, the employer must immediately arrange for the worker to be fully isolated from others, and contact local public health officials.

• If the worker becomes ill during the initial quarantine period, the worker is to be paid by the employer. If a worker must be in quarantine longer than the initial mandatory 14 day isolation period because the worker became symptomatic or was exposed to another person who exhibits symptoms, the worker is to be paid by the employer

More details can be found on the Government of Canada web site: www.canada.ca

FOR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Leslie Sison, Industry HR Coordinator & Government Relations 1.888.446.3499 ext 8660 leslie@cnla-acpp.ca

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LANDSCAPE CANADA

ELCA News LIKE MOST OTHER conventions this year the ELCA Committee of Firms presidium went virtual this year. CNLA was represented by Leslie Cornell and Christene LaVatte in August 2020.

European landscape professionals have experienced very similar life-changing events as Canadians this year. Currently, they have more work than they can complete, and are hamstrung with minimal staff available.

The EU was paying workers a benefit to stay to stay home, reducing the available workforce. Tree nurseries are selling out so quickly that the availability for 2021 will be reduced significantly. It may take years to have the inventory required to fill the demand at present, let alone the future. The fear is: will the demand still be there in a few years? Canada is in a similar predicament.

Christene prepared a report on the '2 Billion Trees' proposal that was presented to the Government of Canada, which was shared with ELCA delegates.

ELCA is also working on holding the European Commission accountable for the European Green Deal proposal, by making their political target of climate neutral 2050 legally binding. Also, by creating a system to monitor the progress, and take further actions, as necessary.

ELCA and the CNLA will continue to work together by sharing information, and collaborating on how best to hold respective governments accountable for policy changes and financial supports that benefit the green industry globally, and at home.

RED SEAL IP Exam Prep – A Success!

THE LANDSCAPE CANADA Committee (LCC) is exploring solutions to labour hurdles in our industry. In particular, the LCC is examining how to facilitate mobility of landscape horticulture skilled labour across Canada and

how that will affect the industry.

On November 14, 2020, a national RED SEAL Inter-Provincial exam preparatory workshop was held to inspire confidence in those who have achieved the work-based hours to challenge the exam. Fifty people participated in the virtual workshop lead

by Egan Davis, an apprentice and Principal Instructor for the Horticulture Foundation program at University of British Columbia.

Participants received a 30-page manual which outlined “Scope of the Trade as defined by the RSOS”, competency weighting, sample question explanations and included a 60-question practice exam.

The workshop provided useful insights and served to encourage participants, some of whom had completed their work-based training and had over 15 years’ experience in the trade, to challenge the RED SEAL exam and earn their certification. This successful outcome has caused the LCC to consider delivering an annual national workshop going forward. The more people earn their RED SEAL certification, the more labour mobility we will experience in the industry.

Good work everyone!

FOR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Anne Kadwell NPD, CLHT, Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist 1.888.446.3499 ext 8695, anne@cnla-acpp.ca

VIRTUAL MARKE TPLACE F R E E T O AT T E N D January 12-14, 2021

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

X New Partnership!

THE CNLA’S LANDSCAPE Horticulture Certification Program (LHCP) is partnering

with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). Major features of this agreement are the collaboration to facilitate shipment of ICPI manual orders within Canada; as well as approval granted to accept ICPI certification as proof of handson competence for candidates taking Hardscape Installation (HI) to earn their Certified Landscape Horticulturist Technician (CLHT) designation under the LHCP. What this means is HI candidates who submit their ICPI certificate are not required to provide further proof of hands-on

competence. They will, however, still be required to successfully complete the written exams to earn their designation.

Additionally, CNLA will collaborate with ICPI to facilitate shipment of ICPI manual orders within Canada. If you already have your ICPI certificate, take advantage of this alliance to earn your CLHT designation.

FOR INQUIRIES REGARDING THE CNLA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT: certification@cnla-acpp.ca Visit: www.CLNAgetcertified.ca

"ICPI has long been recognized as the Interlocking Pavestone Installer highest standard for a professional installer. Now collectively with the CNLA Hardscape Installer Certification, Landscape Contractors can let their customers know with confidence that they are one of the leaders in the landscape industry with training, education and practical professional experience to prove it!"

Leslie Cornell, RSE, Landscape Horticulturist PHC, Cornell Design & Landscaping Ltd - President, Landscape Saskatchewan - President, CNLA Landscape Canada - Chair

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

13

GROWERS CANADA

Box Tree Moth:

Surveillance & International Trade DESPITE THE PANDEMIC measures

that restricted face to face homeowner interaction, Landscape Ontario, CNLA, OMAFRA and CFIA successfully completed another season of surveillance for Box Tree Moth in Ontario, with a heavy focus on the Toronto region.

The moth has spread slowly in all directions but remained inside the perimeter around Toronto established in 2019. Since it is a flying moth, we expected this outwards expansion which seems to be moving faster along the lake shore east into Scarborough. Although the infested area is growing, the moth did not jump to any new regions or any areas with nurseries. This is a good result for 2020.

Communications between CFIA and USDA-APHIS continue as well on two key areas. One is that APHIS consider revisions to its federal order so that all of Canada is not impacted by the trade restrictions. Annual surveillance confirms that box tree moth is only present in the Toronto region. The second is for APHIS to allow CNCP growers to ship host plants under the CNCP without the need for a phyto indicating the plants are free of box tree moth. CNCP Growers have presented a module to CFIA that indicates the Best Management Practices they will implement to support this.

The Box Tree Moth Industry Working Group has been very active on this file and continues to meet regularly to monitor this invasive pest and its impact on nurseries. Three key areas predominate meeting agendas – surveillance and monitoring, communications to the public and to growers, landscape contractors and garden centres, and protecting trade in boxwood with US customers.

Currently Bart Brusse from Sheridan Nurseries and Tom Intven from Canadale Nurseries chair this working group. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to them, and all the members in this group, for taking such a strong leadership role for the industry on box tree moth.

FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: Jamie Aalbers, Growers Manager 1.888.446.3499 ext 8630 jamie@cnla-acpp.ca

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

Aurora Borealis

TM

Ready for Spring!

NAMED FOR THE Northern Lights,

this rose captures the bright dancing lights of the aurora in its dramatic, sunset pink blooming clusters set against dark green and glossy foliage. Aurora Borealis is lowmaintenance and grows to one metre tall with a one-metre spread. It’s also black spot resistant and winter hardy across Canada.

Aurora Borealis will be available in gardening centres and greenhouses throughout Canada in time for the 2021 growing season. It succeeds Chinook Sunrise®, released in 2019 and Canadian Shield®, the inaugural release in Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection that was unveiled for Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection is the result of a national rose breeding program in collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Roses are selected following field trials throughout Canada thanks to this partnership. You can find more information at www.49throses.com including retail partners across the country.

The Elm Zigzag Sawfly APROCERUS LEUCOPODA TAKEUCHI CFIA HAS CONFIRMED the presence

of elm zigzag sawfly in a natural area in Sainte-Martine Quebec. This is the first reporting in North America of this insect pest that exclusively feeds on elms during its larval stages and can cause severe defoliation damage. It is an invasive species that reproduces parthenogenetically and can produce up to four generations per year.

Elm leaf eating with conspicuous zigzag channels from the leaf edge inwards is characteristic of early stage feeding damage.

As the larva matures, it turns around and eats toward the leaf edge, obliterating the zig-zag appearance, but leaves the leaf mid-rib intact. Upper crown die-back of branches is indicative of severe defoliation activity and trees in isolation (roadsides, fields) seem to be more frequently attacked and harmed. The zigzag sawfly is well adapted to overwinter in temperate deciduous forests.

This new pest has not been identified in any production nurseries. And with Canada already restricting elm material moving from Dutch Elm Disease areas to DED free areas within Canada there appears to be little risk that elm zigzag sawfly will spread west through nursery plant movement. But currently the US indicates that they do not have populations of this pest and do regulate for elm zigzag sawfly. There is the possibility that trade in elm may be impacted between Eastern Canada and the US in the future. CNLA will continue to closely monitor this pest for any potential impacts to industry.

JohnDeere.com/CTL

DESIGNED TO ROCK YOUR WORLD. (AND SOD IT. HAUL IT. RAKE IT. MULCH IT. SWEEP IT…) Landscaping is a world all its own. From hauling rock to laying mulch, no two projects are alike. The variety and demanding nature of the job requires a machine that’s equally as versatile and productive. Enter John Deere’s full line-up of Compact Track Loaders (CTL). With dozens of attachments for countless applications, not to mention a host of creature comforts, our CTLs make even the biggest landscaping jobs feel a lot smaller.

Reliability that counts ƒ bR 800 c-e BACKPACK BLOWER OUR BIGGEST MOST POWERFUL BACKPACK BLOWER. Landscapers, parks and recreation crews and golf courses…be prepared to be blown away. To tackle large properties and heavy debris, there is nothing like the clean-up power of the BR 800 C-E. The most powerful backpack blower in the STIHL line. The BR 800 C-E offers maximum blowing force as well as optimal comfort. The BR 800 C-E will make a great addition to your fleet. ⬤ Robust Blowing Force – 3.2 kW engine power; offers 20% more power than the BR 700 ⬤ Sturdy Performance – Best power-to-weight ratio in STIHL gasoline blower line; machine is more compact and easy to carry ⬤ Ergonomic Carrying System – S-shaped shoulder straps, chest strap and hip belt; provides operator comfort ⬤ Telescopic Tube – Quick adjustment of the length for various conditions; no tools required ⬤ Pull Cord – Handy access to the side starter cord; machine can be restarted from your back after taking a short break SPECIFICATIONS DISPLACEMENT

79.9 CC

POWER OUTPUT

3.2 KW

WEIGHT ①

11.7 KG/25.8 LB

BLOWING FORCE

41 NEWTONS

SOUND LEVEL

78 DB(A)

AIR VOLUME ②

912 CFM/1,549 M3/H

AIR VELOCITY ②

239 MPH/385 KM/H

① Excluding fuel. ② With tube at nozzle end.

PRO-FLEET COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE PROGRAM STIHL’s Pro-Fleet Commercial Landscape Program is designed to provide commercial landscapers a volume discount on major purchases of 5 or more landscaping power tools. Visit your STIHL Dealer today to find out more and take advantage of the savings!

THE

CLUB EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

STIHLCANADA

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | WINTER 2020

AU

CLUB DONT TOUT LE MONDE PARLE

www.stihl.ca