CNLA Newsbrief
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March- April 2009
CNLA March - April 2009
Green Industry News!
Vol. 18 Issue 4
Home Renovation Tax Credit Update potential clients. It outlines the details of the HRTC and how homeowners may maximize the tax credit. While there remains to be no specific details on what would be considered eligible, we know very clearly what is not, and continue to work with various federal government departments to clarify eligible purchases under the proposed HRTC.
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association continues to work on clarifying what is eligible under the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) as it relates to the landscape industry. We have learned that the Home Renovation Tax Credit will not be made law until the fall. This is a regular occurrence with federal government when it comes to new tax breaks for Canadians. This means that homeowners will be able to claim their expenses for the 2009 tax year. Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform, said people should keep their home renovation plans on track even though the government won’t be able to get legislation implementing the tax credit in place until at least this fall. “People will be able to apply for it with their taxes in April 2010,” Fletcher told the Winnipeg Free Press in a report out of Ottawa. But Fletcher said because the tax credit was mentioned in the budget itself, the Canada Revenue Agency can administer it, even though it isn’t yet in legislation.
Home ation Renov edit Tax Cr
A dedicated committee of industry volunteers has been working diligently to help the Harper government understand that the green industry is seasonal by nature and is starting now or at least gearing up. This industry committee has developed a pamphlet that you may use to communicate with your customers and
Look Inside: • • •
The federal budget very clearly states “any improvement or renovation of an enduring nature to the dwelling or the land on which the dwelling sits.” The industry committee has interpreted this to mean the following to be considered eligible: • laying new sod • purchasing trees, shrubs, perennials • decks, retaining walls, pathways • irrigation and lighting systems • ponds and waterfalls • garden sheds • professional landscape design services • professional landscape contractor services
LandscapeSafety.com Landscape Horticulture has sex appeal! Quebec investing in greenhouses
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What is not eligible: • annuals • lawn and garden maintenance • tree maintenance • snow removal • hanging baskets, containers, and planters
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? -based. The 15utpnerotcemore than $10,00 d, laim s acquire d enduring ane C C is family ing $1,000, b 350. o TC an , or good R h H W ibility for th itures exceed received is $1 rformed r renovations ts! fo r work pe oduc ed d e pr Elig itures fo be claim es and at can b le expen n expend e HRTC can scape servic of eligib m tax credit th novatio nd . Th home re uary 1, 2010 is includes la maximu eligible . Th Febr sits ies to fore which it and be TC appl The HR ary 27, 2009 or the land on nu g, dwellin after Ja a to ns alteratio
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The material purchased must be of an enduring installation into the land. CNLA and it’s industry driven committee will continue to pressure the federal government for clarification.
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For more information on the HRTC, please visit the CNLA website at www.canadanursery.com
HortEast Moncton 2009 LO’s Green for Life ‘Top in Trades’ for HortEducationBC
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CHT in Manitoba Certification facelift Profile on a Professional
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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March- April 2009
Industry News
Executive Board: Cary van Zanten - BC President
Michael Murray - NL Past President
Bill Stensson - ON First Vice President
Christine LeVatte, CLP - NS Second Vice President
Rene Thiebaud, 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
HortEducation lobbies for “Top in Trades” ‘Top in Trades’ contest will recognize those that beautify our surroundings.
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
BCLNA Representative
TBD
Environment Chair
HortEducationBC successfully lobbied The Vancouver Province newspaper to include an "environmental” category in their ‘Top In Trades’ contest, which is sponsored by BC's Industry Training Authority (ITA). “Horticulture is such a diverse trade, and it’s a growing industry,” says Anne Kadwell, president and CEO of HortEducation B.C.; however, the trade is not well recognized by the general public, despite the many gardens and long growing season.
Staff:
Set yourself apart with certification
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
Member Services Manager joseph@canadanursery.com 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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This contest, now including the green industry, recognizes skilled tradespeople of varying industries, along with apprentices, in appreciation for their work. ITA manages BC’s apprenticeship programs for the province and works with industry organizations to ensure apprentices are learning the required skills. It is hoped that this contest will encourage young people to seek careers in the trades and help to balance the number of retiring workers from the BC trades’ industries.
Individuals win by gaining skills
Companies win with qualified labour
The industry wins with professionalism
Certification provides an individual employed in the industry with a means of proving a minimum standard of expertise in the most common tasks required in the horticultural industry. To learn more about becoming certified, visit www.canadanursery.com or call 888.446.3499
CERTIFIED HORTICULTURAL TECHNICIAN
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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March- April 2009
Industry News Landscape Horticulture has Sex Appeal! BY BILL HARDY CLP, DIRECTOR BCLNA, HEBC, CNLA With the focus turning more and more to sustainability, how landscape professionals work with Landscape Architects and other building professionals and developers, is becoming more important. Installing landscapes so that they are sustainable is, in fact, becoming integral to maintaining our business relationships with these other sectors. Nationally, we are working with the Sustainable Sites Initiative, while in other regions we have many professionals working to the LEED Standard. This means that landscapes need to be professionally installed to a high standard of workmanship.
prentices. The focus is on providing tools to industry to improve training for the way most of industry learns; on the job.
have an opportunity to focus their studies on a trade that includes work experience. Graduates will finish with 3-4 CHT stations complete, making them highly desired employees. Combined with the forthcoming Green Industries curriculum, the amount of youth being exposed to careers in horticulture is on the rise.
Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are all in process of developing new apprenticeship programs; Alberta is updating apprenticeship curriculum and will host the World Skills competition this September in Calgary bringing together 16 countries to compete in Landscape Gardening. Ontario continues to pilot an exciting method for bringing more and more youth into our trade with the foundation of the Specialist High Skill Major in Landscaping for highschools. Students
In British Columbia, HortEducationBC, the province’s first Industry Training Organization formed under the Industry Training Authority, works independently (from Government) with industry to develop new training and apprenticeship programs, monitor and continued on page 9 CNLA Newsbrief
Welcome, CNLA members.
In BC, we are fortunate to have a landscape standard which helps identify minimum standards to ensure successful, sustainable landscapes. Developed cooperatively by the BC Society of Landscape Architects and the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, the BC Landscape Standard is now in its seventh edition. This standard is used widely by municipalities and property managers throughout BC and beyond. With these elevated standards and the demand for more environmentally-conscious and sustainable landscapes, comes the need for more skilled professionals. Across Canada, the landscape horticulture evolution is overwhelming! Late in 2008, ‘Landscape Horticulturist’ became Canada’s 50th Red Seal trade — coincidentally during Red Seal’s 50th anniversary — raising the profile of the landscape trade to the same status as other highly skilled trades. A new National Occupational Standard has been developed with each province playing a role in this accomplishment. Additionally, workshops are currently being held across Canada to assist mentors in training their ap-
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.
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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March- April 2009
Industry Association News News Quebec investing in greenhouse sector
The provincial minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Laurent Lessard, announced that Quebec will be investing $2 million in its greenhouse sector. “With these major investments,” said Lessard, “not only will the
industry benefit from better conditions in order to exploit its full potential, but it will also contribute to the vitality and prosperity of the horticultural industry in Quebec.” Quebec is home for 800 greenhouse operations with revenues totalling over $225 million; $149 million in ornamental products alone. New support initiatives have been chartered in close consultation with the industry. Three programs for improving the greenhouse sector have been established; including a program designed to measure the energy efficiency of greenhouses and enhance their efficiency, a program to improve the engineering and technology of greenhouses, and a program to boost competitiveness and productivity. More information on these programs can be found at www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/ fr/accueil.
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Landscape Ontario’s “Green for Life” Initiative
Green industry members in Ontario are seeing the first steps of an exciting promotional initiative, led by Landscape Ontario. Forward-thinking industry volunteers have committed resources to a far-reaching, yet cost-effective, strategy. Dubbed Green for Life, the goal is to inspire your customers with the beauty and benefits of horticulture, and connect them with Landscape Ontario members. Participation by industry members will be key — members will use their brands, along with the new Green for Life visual identity and marketing materials, to distinguish themselves and spread the word. Touch points will include truck and job site signs, retail signs, tags and event marketing. Green for Life will be customized for all green industry sectors.
2009 CNLA Membership Directory The 2009 CNLA Membership Directory is available! By now all Active and Associate members, as determined by the provincial associations, should have received their complimentary hard copy. The Directory is also now available online for the very first time. It looks and feels just like the printed version with many advanced features. You’re able to search the publication and download the a PDF version. The 2009 CNLA Membership Directory is a comprehensive member listing indexed by provincial association and membership type. Each listing includes the various services and products offered by over 3,600 member companies from across Canada in the landscape, nursery, and garden centre sectors. CNLA thanks Kubota for their continued support and sponsorship of the 2009 CNLA Membership Directory.
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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Association News LandscapeSafety.com Newest Endorsed Supplier The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and LandscapeSafety.com have partnered to provide a quality safety-training program to all CNLA members across the country. The safety-training program is completely online and interactive. LandscapeSafety.com is an online landscape equipment training service, where they teach basic operating techniques and hazard awareness to new employees. Visitthem at www.LandscapeSafety.com. It’s all online; no software, no DVD’s, no videotapes. With LandscapeSafety.com training solution, employees do an interactive online lesson and online exam. You are automatically notified by email when they pass, and can print out their Supervisor Safety Check; a 10-min-
March- April 2009
Ove registe r 400 throug red users h progra the CNLA m first m in the onth!
ute exercise they can do with a Supervisor or Crew Leader, where they demonstrate their basic knowledge and skills. Both Supervisor and employee sign off on the Safety Check, and the employee is now SAFE-CERTIFIED® on that machine. In addition to the training document going in their file, there is also now a permanent record in the On-line Management System that CNLA has set up, customized exactly as each company wants it to look, with all important company information and administration procedures in it.
• $89/employee for Complete Bundle for every module. • Annual recertification (online lessons and exams only, no checklist required), $29/ employee covers all modules they are already certified on, including WHMIS.
The system is a great value, and after a $5 volume discount (10+ bundles), and a $5/ bundle CNLA discount, the cost is: • $69/employee for a Construction Bundle of 7 modules; • $79/employee for a Maintenance Bundle of 10 modules;
To get started, simply contact a safety adviser at LandscapeSafety.com and tell them you are a CNLA member. The CNLA office will confirm your membership and your volume discount will be applied. Call your safety advisor at 1-877-482-2323 or email them at info@LandscapeSafety.com.
Large employers over 30 employees: $99/ production position/year; no extra charge for turnover and new employees, and no charge for annual recertification.
HortEast Scheduled for 2009 in Moncton! BY REBECCA WETSELAAR, HORTEAST SHOW COORDINATOR The HortEast committee is excited to announce that we will be holding HortEast in 2009, from November 23-25th, 2009 at the Moncton Coliseum, Moncton, NB. We thank our regular exhibitors, delegates and sponsors for their ongoing support of our show and look forward to seeing you again in 2009!
HortEast gives suppliers an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to meet one-on-one with their customers.
The 2009 HortEast Committee has been formed with representatives from Landscape New Brunswick, Landscape Nova Scotia, and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador. Kevin Nauss with Price Landscaping Services in NB, will lead the committee as the 2009 Chair. Other committee members include Scott Mosher with Terra Nova Landscaping Inc. in NS, Darrell Nameth with Lawn Rangers Landscaping in NB, Paul MacPhee with MacPhee’s Landscaping Services in NS and Jeanette French with Daisy Design in NL. The committee will also be assisted by Landscape New Brunswick and Landscape Nova Scotia offices, and as well Rebecca Wetselaar, Manager of Provincial Relations with CNLA, will be working as show coordinator, along with show support from Michelle Brown, Provincial Relations Coordinator with CNLA. Current show plans include offering a Garden Centre Tour and a Landscape Contractors Training Day on Monday November 23rd, bringing in cutting-edge speakers that will appeal to landscapers, nurseries and garden centres, certification opportunities, and a great party on Tuesday night. Members of
LNS, LNB and LNL should note that they will receive special rates when participating as exhibitors or delegates in the show which provides an additional benefit of membership. Visit the website www.horteast.ns.ca for additional show details, or contact Rebecca Wetselaar, Show Coordinator at 1-866-383-4711, fax: 1-866-833-8603 or email rebecca@canadanursery.com
Manitoba Green Show 2010
Landscape Manitoba’s premier Green Industry and conference February 9-10, 2010 Victoria Inn, Winnipeg www.landscapemanitoba.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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CNLA Newsbrief
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March- April 2009
Growers Corner
Technical Requirements for the SR&ED Program BY SUSAN DYER
The definition of SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) in the Canada’s Income Tax Act is based on the Organization for Economical Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) model. To qualify for the SR&ED tax credits, companies must perform work that is basic research, applied research or experimental development. To successfully claim eligibility for the tax credit, it is necessary to demonstrate to the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) that a particular R&D project meets all of the following three criteria. (1) Technological advancement – Work must be done to advance the understanding or knowledge of science or technology. The magnitude of the advancement does not need to be large. An attempt to advance science or technology is all that is required. Success or failure of the project has no bearing on eligibility. (2) Technological Uncertainty – Uncertainty must exist as to whether or not a desired result can be achieved, and/or how it can be achieved. The solution must not be known and cannot be determined based on generally available scientific or technological knowledge or experience. Technological uncertainty is determined
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within the business context of the SR&ED claimant. (3) Technical Content – The work must be performed through systematic investigation or search by qualified personnel.
Eligible Expenditures
Canada’s base of SR&ED eligible expenditures is broad. It includes both current and capital expenditures, as follows: Current expenditures: • Salaries and wages of employees directly engaged (hands-on) in carrying out SR&ED work. • Cost of materials consumed and/or transformed while carrying out SR&ED. • Contract or sub-contract payments. • Lease cost of equipment or machinery used. • Overhead and other directly related and incremental costs or the option to use the simpler proxy method for claiming overheads (65% of directly engaged salaries). • Third-party payments to approved organizations, universities, research institutes, granting councils or not-for-profit SR&ED corporations to carry out basic or applied research.
Capital expenditures: • Assets that were purchased with the intent to be used “all or substantially all” for SR&ED or that “all or substantially all” of their value would be consumed in conducting the SR&ED. The phrase “all or substantially all” is normally viewed as meaning 90 percent or more by the CRA. However, land, buildings and leasehold improvements are generally excluded. Sue Dyer started working as a SR&ED Tax technical advisor in 2003 and joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2004. She is an electrical engineer with over 20 years of industrial experience. Sue helped prepare SR&ED claims when working in industry as an engineer and has been involved in the program for 10 years. Her claiming experience ranges from plant breeding and agricultural claims to large and small software information systems and heavy manufacturing. In her free time, Sue helps her husband Tim grow trees and ornamentals in their nursery, Kings Creek Trees & Ornamentals, near Ottawa.
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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March- April 2009
Coin de producteurs
Exigences techniques du programme RS&DE PAR SUSAN DYER
La définition de RS&DE (recherche scientifique et développment expérimental) utilisée dans la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu est basée sur le modèle dont se sert l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (“OCDE”). Pour être éligible aux crédits d’impôt de RS&DE, les compagnies doivent effectuer des travaux de recherche pure, recherche appliquée ou de développement expérimental. Pour être admissible, il faut prouver à Agence du revenu du Canada (“ARC”) qu’un projet de recherche particulier rencontre les trois critères suivants. (1) Avancement technologique – Les travaux doivent être effectués pour améliorer la compréhension ou la connaissance d’une science ou d’une technologie. Il n’est pas nécessaire que la magnitude de l’amélioration soit importante. Tout ce qu’on demande est une tentative d’avancer une science ou une technologie. Le succès ou l’échec du projet n’a aucun poids sur l’éligibilité. (2) Incertitude technologique – Il doit y avoir incertitude à savoir si le résultat souhaité pourrait être ou non obtenu et/ou comment il pourrait être obtenu. La solution est inconnue et ne peut être déterminée par l’expérience ou la connaissance scientifique ou technologique actuelle. L’incertitude technologique est déterminée à l’intérieur du contexte d’affaires
du demandeur d’un crédit de RS&DE. (3) Contenu technique – Les travaux d’investigation systématique ou de recherche doivent être effectués par du personnel qualifié.
Dépenses admissibles
La liste des dépenses admissibles au programme canadien de RS&DE est longue. Elle inclut les dépenses courantes et les dépenses en capital : Dépenses courantes: • Salaires et traitements d’employés impliqués directement dans les travaux de RS&DE. • Coûts des matériaux consommés et/ou transformés lors de travaux de RS&DE. • Paiements de contrats ou de sous-contrats. • Coûts de location d’équipement ou de machinerie servant aux travaux. • Dépenses générales d’opération et autres qui sont directement relatives aux travaux et les coûts supplémentaires ou l’option de se servir de la méthode du calcul du montant de remplacement visé par règlement (MRVR) pour les dépenses générales (65% de la base salariale des employés impliqués directement). • Paiements faits à des tiers, tels organisations approuvées, universités, instituts de recherche, subventions provenant de conseils ou à des sociétés de RS&SE à but non-lucratif pour la poursuite de recherche de base ou appliquée.
Dépenses en capital: Biens qui ont été achetés dans l’intention de servir “ en totalité ou presque ” à des fins de RS&DE ou dont la valeur sera “ en totalité ou presque ” consommée lors de l’exécution de travaux de RS&DE. ACR considère généralement que l’expression “en totalité ou presque” signifie 90 pour cent ou plus. Cependant, les terres, édifices et rénovations de bâtiments à bail sont généralement exclus. Sue Dyer a débuté en 2003 en tant que technicien conseil en matière d’impôt dans le domaine de la RS&DE et par la suite s’est jointe à PricewaterhouseCoopers en 2004. Elle est diplômée en génie électrique a possède plus de 20 ans d’expérience dans l’industrie. Sue a assisté dans la préparation de demandes de crédits de RS&DE lorsqu’elle travaillait dans l’industrie comme ingénieure et elle est impliquée dans le programme depuis 10 ans. Son expérience de demandes de crédits s’étend des domaines agricole et de la propagation de plantes jusqu’aux domaines de grandes et petites entreprises de développement de logiciels en passant par la fabrication de produits pour l’industrie lourde. Dans son temps libre, elle prête main forte à son époux Tim dans l’arboriculture et la culture de plantes ornementales dans leur pépinière, Kings Creek Trees & Ornamentals, près d’Ottawa.
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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March- April 2009
Certification Corner Ice Storm – No Problem! CHT Can’t be Stopped in Manitoba During one of the biggest ice storms in recent years, the landscape industry in Manitoba was in full force, holding it’s first Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) Softscape Installation evaluation. The day began in the early morning hours of Monday, February 9, 2009 with candidates, judges, and volunteers taking the slippery route to the test site in Stonewall, MB for 6:30am registration. Testing started at 8:00am and was successful from start to finish! The test was overseen by seven members of the National Certification Committee, in order ensure testing consistency with other regions and train the four local judges who volunteered for the day.
more and more people want to get certified. Be sure to register early to secure your spot, and to receive your test book so you can start preparing.
Four eager candidates tested that day and took the next step toward improving professionalism in Manitoba. Landscape Manitoba is proud to announce that there are two new CHTs in the province. Congratulations to Derek Dexter, CHT, and Guy Dowhy, CHT, CLP for being part of this milestone for the industry! Bringing the CHT evaluation to Manitoba was one of the goals of the CNLA Certification Committee. Now that this has been achieved, the committee is moving forward, working to develop test sites in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec.
In ongoing efforts to improve the reliability and validity of the certification programs CNLA along with it’s American partner Professional Landscape Network (PLANET) have developed new standards for recertification.
Manitoba’s test marked the first CHT evaluation in the country for 2009, and will be holding another on May 1, 2009, giving candidates the option of testing any of the four exterior specialties. Test dates in other regions are approaching quickly. Visit www.cht.canadanursery.com to find the next test day near you. Registrations have already been coming in for each region, as
Candidates were evaluated on their softscape installation skills.
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For more information on CHT, or any of CNLA’s other certification programs, please contact Julia Ricottone at the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, 1-888-446-3499, ext. 8615, julia@canadanursery.com.
Recertification Changes
Beginning January 1, 2010 all certified individuals will be converted to a two-year recertification cycle. For 2009, people will continue to earn and report credits as they have for the last number of years. Upon submission for 2009 the two-year cycle will begin, along with anybody certified during this year of last.
Certification testing in Manitoba proved to be a great success.
Recertification changes: • Every two-years • 24 continuing education credits (CEUs) • A minimum of 16 credits from pre-approved Education categories • A maximum of 8 credits from pre-approved Service categories • Registration fee of $75 every period (2 yrs) There will also be stricter guidelines for renewing on time. Still in development it will include a maximum range (30-90 days) before the certification status is removed and a full retest will be required. If your renewal date is listed as January 1, 2010 then you still need to renew before the end of the 2009 year as you have done in the past. After that new forms with detailed explanations will be circulated to all active certified people in Canada. Check your Passport to Certification, near the back to confirm your current renewal date. If you have any questions on the revised recertification criteria please call the CNLA office or email certification@ canadanursery.com.
Recently Certified Bryce Anderson, CLP John Ballast, CLP Stephen Barker, CHT Michael Bock, CLP Joe Bontekoe, CLP Mike Bronsch, CHT Lesley Colburn-Swartz, CHT Christine Croton, CLP Dennis Del Vecchio, CHT, CLP Leon Denbok, CHT, CLP Derek Dexter, CHT Guy Dowhy, CHT, CLP Frank Galdon, CLP Dan Grieve, CLP David Grieve, CLP Ryan Kearney, CHT Allan Kling, CLP Liz Klose, CLP Paul Kulcheski, CHT James Landry, CLP Aaron Lauritsen, CLP Pamela McCormick, CLP Adam Presley, CHT Jeffrey Scott, CHT Ryan Stananought, CHT David Steele, CHT Mary Trudelle, CLP Derek Youngblutt, CHT *as of March 2009
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
BC ON ON BC ON AB AB BC ON ON MB MB AB ON ON ON ON ON BC NB AB ON ON ON ON BC ON BC
CNLA Newsbrief
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Facelift for Certification Over the last year the CNLA Certification Committee in partnership with the International Certification Council (PLANET) has been working on ways to improve the marketing potential of the certification programs. There were several key issues that they were looking to address: 1) clarity of message, 2) expansion of marketing partners, and 3) achieving critical mass. The creation of a single brand for certification across Canada and the U.S. was seen as a solution to all of these problems.
landscape industry
certified
After a great deal of discussion and many variations, the task force put forward the new proposed name to brand certification – Landscape Industry Certified. This name was chosen to be highly accessible to the public; clearly identifying the person as certified by the landscape industry. With more than 30 partner associations acting as certifying bodies in one form or another, it becomes a brand everyone can use and upon this, build a strong swell of support.
continued from page 3 update existing programs, and recruit new individuals to the trade. With Red Seal, these provincial initiatives, and increased demand for skilled landscape professionals, hundreds of new positions will be soon available. Career paths are varied, with many leading to lucrative positions in the private or public sector, as well as tremendous entrepreneurial opportunities. Landscape professionals are passionate, creative and environmentally minded. Simply put, Landscape Horticulture is sexy! It is a trade for young or old, for men and women, for individuals looking for a new career or a career change. It is especially a trade for individuals who desire to make a difference in their environment, their lives
March- April 2009 and the lives of others. It is an exciting time in the landscape trades industry and we all should look forward to sharing that excitement with as many people as possible.
Correction
CNLA would like to make a correction to the Strengthening the Industry story that ran in the January-February issue of the CNLA Newsbrief. The editorial should have specified that the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Association (COHA) has successfully completed an economic impact study confirming over 130,000 full-time employees in the $14 billion industry. CNLA would like to apologize for misspelling Communities in Bloom’s new executive director name Ann Carrière in the previous issue of the CNLA Newsbrief.
proDUctIVIty rUnS In the famIly.
The full name will only be used as written, with no acronym available. Individuals will continue to use CLT/CHT, CLD and CLP after their names, but over the next few years the triangle logos will be phased out. The next step was to develop a logo, and after many possible variations, orientations, themes, subliminal messages, and leaf designs, the logo you see with this article was chosen. It is simple in nature and highlights the clarity of the message: Landscape Industry Certified. At this point, CNLA is seeking feedback from all stakeholders, associations, employers and certified individuals. Some specific questions to consider: 1) is the message of the logo clear? 2) do the triangles need to be preserved in some form? Please feel free to circulate to staff, peers or customers for broad-based feedback. All comments can be sent to CNLA c/o Joel Beatson, CLP, CAE via mail, fax (1-866-833-8603) or by email to joel.beatson@canadanursery.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 CAT-114.indd 1
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CNLA Newsbrief
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March- April 2009
Landscaper’s Corner Profile of a Professional Bruce Hunter, CHT CLP CLD, of Hunter Landscape Design Limited became the first person in Canada to achieve all three national certifications for horticulture; Certified Horticultural Technician, Certified Landscape Professional and Certified Landscape Designer.
Bruce Hunter was one of the first members to achieve the “trifecta” of certification designations, and is a leader in the landscape sector in British Columbia. Here is his success story.
A tropical paradise was the clients’ objective—and one that was achieved throughout the entire yard. An outdoor shower, jade and basalt boulders, and choice planting selections together give the air of a Californian estate, transporting the homeowners of this award-winning landscape from their own backyard to a beachside resort.
Our volunteer members are the strength of our association. From time to time we will be profiling various volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise for the development of our industry. This profile features, Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLD, CLP, Chair of the Landscape Canada Committee of the CNLA. The mission of the Landscape Canada Committee is to: recommend, implement and evaluate program policies; advise the Board on programming options, based on committee research and evaluations aligned with our objectives; establish and develop long and short term strategies that were determined at the Landscape Summit in the following areas: labour shortage; public image, professional development environmental importance, government support, membership and standards and Skills Canada.
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Bruce has been active for years with the BC Landscape and Nursery Association as well as with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. He currently sits on the CNLA board of directors as the Landscape Canada Chairperson representing the landscape commodity group nationally. Hunter Landscape Design, formed in 1987, primarily installed commercial landscapes, but after 10 years they moved towards residential design/build which has a high demand for quality products, to serve a public that is becoming more sophisticated in tastes and knowledge. On a trip to Holland, Bruce visited a central yard that designers and contractors could
bring their clients to show plants and other materials to be used in their projects. This location gave the landscaper access to a large inventory from quality growers in one location. Selections Nursery Supply is that location in South Surrey. Hunter Landscape Design is situated on the Little Campbell River. When you walk through the nursery and wander down along the river bank, the property still has the atmosphere of the fishing lodge and summer retreat first built on it in 1914. Hunter Landscape Design has nursery stock ranging from small perennials and grasses to large caliper trees and exotics. With their network of growers and suppliers, they are able to bring in any product not in the yard within days. Along with the great range of plant material, Hunter Landscape Design also supplies garden features, natural stones for paths, patios and walls, garden lighting, pots, planters and garden furniture. In future they will be carrying water feature supplies and equipment. Hunter Landscape Design, located on the same property, provides design services and consultations.
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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Excellence
NATIONAL AWARDS LANDSCAPE
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association presented the sixth annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence held in conjunction with the Manitoba Green Show. There are two categories highlighted: landscape maintenance; Pacifica Landscape Works 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 Instal-
March- April 2009
Celebrating the Green Industry at the Manitoba Green Show lation was presented to Pacifica Landscape Works (Surrey, BC) for West Van Waterfront. The National Awards of Landscape Excellence is a way for Canada to recognize those companies that have actively participated in significantly raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry, as well as the key role played by landscape design, installation and maintenance companies, parks boards and other horticulturists in executing the best management practices that protect our
environment. The National Awards of Landscape Excellence is an initiative of Landscape Canada, commodity group Evergreen Landscaping of CNLA. Land- & Lawn Maintenance scape 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. For further information, please contact Joseph Salemi, CAE at joseph@canadanursery.com
IGCA Congress in UK, to include a Study tour at a lower rate. For the first time ever, the IGCA Congress is introducing a study tour at a special rate aimed at the next generation of Garden Centre Managers. By using good value accommodation at the Crowne Plaza, Manchester City Centre, and through generous sponsorship, the Congress is able to run this at a lower cost. As space is limited for this option, some restrictions do apply. To qualify for this, you need to be manager level or above, and under forty years old. The program will be exactly the same as the main Congress but will involve extensive analysis of the centres visited — you will have your own tour leader and coach. Not only will it be educational, but great fun as well. This is a great opportunity and one not to be missed. Early bird bookings rate applies for registrations made before 30th April 2009: Single occupancy (1 person 1 room): £1205 Double occupancy (2 people 1 room): £995 You can sign up for the Study tour online at www.igcaCongress.com or by contacting the Congress organizer, Mrs. Gillie Westwood, at congress@gca.org.uk. Don’t wait as those spots will go quickly! You may also register for the regular IGCA Congress by visiting the website or contacting the organizer. A full itinerary can be found on www.igcaCongress.com. All-inclusive Congress registration including accommodation at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel is currently starting at £1500 — book now to ensure availability and best prices. All pricing will be going up on April 30th, 2009! Pre and post tour are also available, including a unique opportunity to visit the world-renowned tradeshow GLEE with exclusive VIP privileges.
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
sponsored by :
March- April 2009
Upcoming Test Dates April April 15, 2009 – CHT (written), CLD, CLP, Milton, ON April 16, 2009 – CHT SHSM, Milton, ON April 17-18, 2009 – CHT (all modules), Truro, NS May May 1-2, 2009 – CHT, Winnipeg, MB July July 16, 2009 – CLD, CLP, Milton, ON July 16-17, 2009 – CHT Milton, ON July 17-18, 2009 – CLD/CLP (17th), CHT Langley, BC August August 13-14, 2009 – CHT Ottawa, ON August 19-20, 2009 – CHT Retail Milton, ON
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September September 25, 2009 – CHT Retest Milton, ON October October 16-17, 2009 – CLD/CLP (17th), CHT Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley, BC December December 9, 2009 – CHT, CLD, CLP, Milton, ON
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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