Autumn Newsbrief 2020

Canada's Green Industry News

FALL 2020 - VOL 29 ISSUE 3

INSIDE:

• Landscape Horticulturist, Red Seal and Apprenticeship Grants • Valid-8 Webinars • Green Cities Foundation unveils the #GreenMyCity2020 project • Chinook SunriseTM & Oscar PetersonTM win Gold!

AWARDS ISSUE

17 ANNUAL NATIONAL AWARDS of LANDSCAPE EXCELLENCE th

THE NATIONAL AWARDS OF LANDSCAPE EXCELLENCE (NALE) were held virtually this year for the first time. Master of Ceremony was Communications Committee Chair, and Treasurer for the CNLA Executive Committee Bill Hardy.

This year's winners demonstrated the best-of-the-best in landscape horticulture and the greatness in the profession. This year five landscape category awards were presented, along with the 'Green For Life' Community Award.

THE WINNERS: Aménagement Côté Jardin Inc. of Montreal, Quebec for the Caterpillar National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Construction.

Fossil Landscape Construction Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia for the Caterpillar National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Construction.

Airo Landscapes Inc. of St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador for the National Award of Excellence for Landscape Design.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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*Rates above are based on a 1.3 conversion from USD. ** For CNLA member offer terms and conditions, please visit www.cat.com/cnla. † For all other special offer terms and conditions, please visit http://www.catresourcecenter.com/offers. © 2020 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

Industry News Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. of Calgary, Alberta for the HortProtect National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Maintenance.

Yorkshire GardenServices Inc. of Concord, Ontario for the HortProtect National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Maintenance.

The Goodman Labyrinth, and Chestermere Community Park, Alberta for the Caterpillar 'Green For Life' Community Award.

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence recognize Canadian companies that have actively participated in significantly raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from the Provincial Awards of excellence competitions to be entered into the National Awards. Contact your provincial association to see how you can submit your entries for the provincial awards.

About the Industry Award & 'Green For Life' Award EXCELLENCE HAPPENS ALL THE TIME

in our profession; the positive impact to the community and the environment is often tremendous. These special industry awards are designed to recognize the projects, people, and corporations contribution to the profession, the community and the environment. We know that truly dynamic and innovative projects are out there, and that talented and dedicated

professionals are making it happen every day.

These awards are a special opportunity for them to be recognized.

The special industry awards are the 'Green For Life' Community Award, the Industry Award for Distinction.

GREEN FOR LIFE COMMUNITY AWARD:

The 'Green For Life' Community award is generously sponsored by Caterpillar and has two submission processes, provincial and national. The provincial associations send out the application forms to any members to fill out for any projects they feel meet the criteria. Once all applications have been received, only one project per province can be entered nationally into the 'Green For Life' Community Award competition. In provinces where a 'Green For Life' Award program exists provincially, only the winning project from that program is eligible to be submitted to the national awards. Once all projects are submitted, a judging panel consisting of industry and business experts will evaluate the submissions from the provinces where one national award per year will be handed out. If you know a great project in your community, contact your provincial association for information on how to nominate it.

INDUSTRY AWARD FOR DISTINCTION:

The Industry award for distinction and for corporations are not presented every year, only when a candidate deemed worthy of giving this award to is found.

For more information about these awards, contact your provincial association.

CANADIAN LANDSCAPE STANDARD SECOND EDITION

THE GUIDE FOR LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ACROSS CANADA CANADIAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & CANADIAN NURSERY LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President Treasurer & Communications Chair

Phil Paxton, CLHT, CLHM - AB Bruce Hunter, CLHT, CLD, CLHM - BC Gerald Boot, CLHM - ON Anthony O’Neill - NL Bill Hardy, CLHM - BC

DIRECTORS

BCLNA Representative Michael Kato - BC

Landscape AB Representative Jeff Oudyk - AB

Landscape SK Representative Aaron Krahn - SK

MBNLA Representative Guy Dowhy, RSE, CLHT, CLHM - MB Landscape ON Representative Paul Brydges, CLD - ON

Landscape NS Representative Robin Godfrey - NS & Garden Centres Canada Chair Landscape NB/PEI Representative Kevin Nauss, CLHM - NB

& Member Services Chair

Landscape NL Representative Peggy Head - NL

Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLM - 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

Completely enhanced and revised, the CLS is THE best way to specify landscape construction projects.

To purchase the CLS, visit: csla-acpp.ca/standard

CSLA and CNLA members receive a digital subscription to the CLS with their membership dues.

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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

Landscape & Anne Kadwell, CLHT

Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca

Industry Human Resources Leslie Sison

& Government Relations leslie@cnla-acpp.ca

Communications Dave Mazur dave@cnla-acpp.ca

Andrew Dmytrasz andrew@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services, COPF Teagan Giddings

& Special Projects teagan@cnla-acpp.ca

Member Services COPF Megan Farias

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

Communities in Bloom Sonia Parrino bloom@cib-cef.com

THE CNLA NEWSBREIF IS SPONSORED BY :

Member Services KEEPING IT SIMPLE

WWW.STIHL.CA

CNLA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS BC LANDSCAPE & NURSERY ASSOCIATION 19951 Fraser Highway Langley BC V3A 4E2 bclna.com 604-575-3500 LANDSCAPE ALBERTA 18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton AB T5S 1K3 landscape-alberta.com 1-800-378-3198 LANDSCAPE SASKATCHEWAN snla.ca 1-800-378-3198 MANITOBA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION PO Box 1755 Winnipeg MB R3C 2Z9 mbnla.com 204-661-6397 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO 7856 Fifth Line S. Milton ON L9T 2X8 horttrades.com 1-800-265-5656 LANDSCAPE NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR PO Box 8062 St. John's NL A1B 3M9 landscapenl.com 709-700-2165

Tips for a calming morning routine THE FALL SEASON marks back to school. This year it also coincides with the return to the workplace for some individuals. While already a stressful time of year for families, the added complexity of COVID-19 can heighten these feelings for families and individuals alike.

Creating a calming morning routine can help to reduce or manage the stress associated with this transition.

Your morning routine is vital when it comes to setting the tone for your day, yet for many of us, our mornings are a mad dash out the door.

We’ve all been taught that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but are there other things you can do to help get your day off to a great start? The answer is yes, absolutely! To improve your mood, focus and general outlook for the day, consider adding a small task to your morning routine that incorporates a little serenity into your daily life. Here are a couple ideas you can try:

We often have a long list of things we have to accomplish in the morning, which attributes to the stress we feel the moment we open our eyes. To reduce some of this stress, try checking off some of these items the night before, like packing your lunch or laying out your clothes for the next day. This will give you more time for the things you enjoy in the morning, whether it’s reading a book or sipping on some hot tea.

GRATITUDE JOURNALING

Try starting a notebook in which you write down three things you are grateful for each day. As little as five minutes a day spent on gratitude journaling has been shown to increase optimism by cultivating positivity and defending against feelings of stress.

MEDITATION

Meditation has been extensively studied as a contributor in helping decrease anxiety, depression and stress, while improving general health, mental health, and quality of life. While the body needs consistent movement in order to be healthy, the mind flourishes with regular doses of stillness – even just for a few minutes.

Creating a calming morning routine can help restore a sense of normalcy and focus during tough times. All it takes is a few minutes, so get started today!

For more information on HortProtect Life & Health Program, Contact People Corporation 1-800-459-8990 or info@hortprotect.com

LANDSCAPE NEW BRUNSWICK & PEI PO Box 742 Saint John NB E2L 4B3 landscapenb-pei.ca 1-866-752-6862 LANDSCAPE NOVA SCOTIA PO Box 28 Stn Main Dartmouth NS B2Y 3Y2 landscapenovascotia.ca 902-800-4321

CNLA MAIN OFFICE 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T-2X8 1-888-446-3499 • 905-875-1840 info@cnla-acpp.ca• cnla-acpp.ca

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

Climate Change & Adaptation Our industry provides multiple benefits to the economy, environment, and human lifestyles. From primary producers growing plants, garden centres who sell and educate customers to the landscapers that design green spaces. As a whole, the services and practices are creating solutions to lessen the effects of climate change and making cities more liveable.

The horticulture industry and services do more than beautify and enhance cities and gardens. Green infrastructure solves many urban problems, and it's now more widely understood, reasonably in light of the adaptation and mitigation efforts to dealing with climate change.

Climate Change & Green Infrastructure NATURE PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE

in creating environmentally sustainable cities.

The many important benefits range from physical health, psychological well-being of city populations as well as erosion control, stormwater management and the critical cooling effect of our increasingly overheated urban areas, where 82% of Canadians live.

Green infrastructure is a term that might sound technical, however, the concept refers to an interconnected network of landscape assets that are intertwined with engineered (grey) infrastructure; in other words, natural vegetative systems and green technologies that collectively provide society with many environmental, social and economic benefits.

Plants are among the world's best carbon sinks in that plants exchange carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the biosphere, an essential part of global climate regulation. Therefore, green spaces in cities are a necessity and an important component in the relation of more sustainable development towards climate adaptation and mitigation.

Integrating green infrastructure into the built environment must be a priority, from densely populated urban centres to smaller and rural settlements. A centrepiece of smart planning is ensuring communities have a livable environment, with clean air and water, for generations to come. Nature can be harnessed to provide critical services for communities such as protect them against flooding or excessive heat, improve air and water quality, which underpin human and environmental health.

Green infrastructure is also multi-functional and provides secondary benefits alongside its primary purpose. This makes it very cost-efficient to use public finances; a single investment delivers the core service while also providing numerous other public benefits.

In many ways, the use of green infrastructure embodies the shift towards a green economy, which is cost-effective infrastructure that delivers better environmental and social outcomes.

In conclusion, our industry must prioritize raising awareness of the many benefits of green infrastructure, and the greenery of Canadian cities and towns. In doing so, we will keep advancing our member's products and services as an essential element in our economy in reducing carbon emissions and increasing resilience in our communities to mitigate climate change.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

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Climate Change & Adaptation

#GreenMyCity2020 Kicks-off in Hamilton, Ontario IN AUGUST, the Green Cities Foundation (GCF) launched the first #GreenMyCity2020 project, in partnership with St. Matthew's House. The project kicked off with a tree-planting ceremony at Woodlands Park, including a park cleanup, lawn care and garden bed maintenance at a nearby Birch Avenue green space.

A small group of volunteers and community stakeholders gathered at Woodland Park for the ceremony (while social distancing and wearing facial masks). The crowd was greeted by messages from project partners Alan White (GCF), Renee Wetselaar (SMH), Rachel Braithwaite (Barton BIA), Brenda Duke (Beautiful Alleys) and Andrea McGrath (RBC Insurance).

The St. Matthew's House children's centre helped with the event; the children added dirt, water and hand painted rocks around the selected Hackberry tree. It was a remarkable moment to have the kid's participate, and a great way to honour the St. Matthew's House legacy in the Barton Village Community.

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

ABOUT #GREENMYCITY The #GreenMyCity project will build a unique and innovative natural playground at St. Matthew's House (SMH) children's centre, as well as a community greenspace. The project is designed to help connect children to the local natural environment, encourage physical outdoor play and deepen community cohesion by contributing to the quality of life for residents and visitors. The natural playground will start construction in the Fall of 2020, carrying over into Spring 2021.

As part of the project, the we will continue working together with Hamilton residents to organize community garden cleanups, tree plantings, and turf maintenance in the surrounding Woodland, Birge and Birch park areas.

We want to thank RBC Insurance, Hamilton Community Foundation and the CNLA for this project's financial support. Special recognition to the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association members, Aldershot Landscape, Garden Grove Landscape, Connon Nurseries and Turf Systems Inc. for their contributions.

Please contact Rebecca Doutre, Executive Director with the Green Cities Foundation, for more information on getting involved in this important project gcfdirector@gcfoundation.ca, or visit us at gcfoundation.ca

Together – we can #GreenMyCity, one green space at a time.

Watch the video on our Youtube page: https://cutt.ly/GCFoundationCA

WINNERS: THE 'GREEN FOR LIFE' COMMUNITY AWARD

THE GOODMAN LABYRINTH MELFORT, ALBERTA

AFTER THE LOSS of their second child, Larry and Brenda Goodman, well-known area farmers, approached the City of Melfort with an idea to create a labyrinth. The City selected a sheltered green space within a large park and construction began. The planting was planned and instructed by a landscaper and arborist Bryce Zosel and his wife Laurie. During the building of the labyrinth many people from the community pitched in to help, and others, stopped by with coffee and treats.

The local Guides Troop and Brownies planted the flowering shrubs on the exterior of the labyrinth to enhance its beauty.

The unique design used shows four foot walkways with two foot intertwining spaces for perennial planting. The plants chosen give visual interest all year as they bloom at various times throughout the spring and summer while the tall ornamental grasses sway in the breeze.

The two memorial benches at the centre

allows one a place for rest and reflection. The entire project covers a fifty square foot area.

For more information on the 'Green for Life' Community Award visit cnla.ca/awards

Recently Chestermere City Council and staff have agreed to further support this project and re-allocated funding, for much-needed irrigation, and a more robust landscaping plan was developed.

CHESTERMERE COMMUNITY PARK CHESTERMERE, ALBERTA IN JULY 2017, Landscape Alberta and a group of local landscape companies worked to build a new park in Chestermere converting the existing skatepark into a premiere green space for the community to enjoy. The vision was to develop a park which would foster

community engagement, and be a landscaping showcase for the City. The idea coincided with the establishment of the Reidbuilt Center for Community Leadership, which is intended to support local non-profit organizations.

For many, this park is a symbol of the generosity and the giving spirit of a community that has grown in “leaps and bounds� in a very short span of time.

Ten years ago, small-town Chestermere started an organization called YELL (Youth Encouraging Long-lasting Leadership) - youth programming and mentoring began! SYNERGY adopted YELL and the benefits that this not-for-profit organization have provided to this community and its youth have been phenomenal.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

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WINNERS: AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONSCTRUCTION WINNER RESIDENTIAL Fossil Landscape Construction Ltd. - BC

South Vancouver Estate ONE MAIN REOCCURRING MATERIAL used in the landscape is a large format Grizzly Granite stone facing. These huge stones are used in the Feature Wall, at the Pool & Cabana, Sunken Garden, Sunken Water Feature and Entry Walls.

This design called for stones ranging in size, up to 6' X 9', with the largest weighing more than 5000lbs. Unique engineering details were implemented in the excavation and construction of these elements.

Large format natural stone paving was used for the driveway set on a Romex bedding specification and around the pool decks set on pedestals. This allowed for the pool deck to be set level up to the large infinity edge pool. A custom automated retractable Pergola extends indoor space into the landscape, complemented by a custom Fire Pit and audio system.

fossillandscapeconstruction.com

WINNER COMMERCIAL Aménagement Côté Jardin Inc. - QC

Parvis du Parc Frederic-back/CESM THE MATERIALITY OF THE SITE highlights the history of the place through the use of elements from the old quarry: crushed limestone, materials recovered from gabions, recycled plastic furniture, as a representation of the materials recovered at the center of the CESM sorting. The swaths of clovers to symbolize the swaths of composts present, etc. The layout of the park is distinguished by the use of numerous elements of perforated steel, inspired by the cliffs of the old quarry, which mark centers of attraction of the site. The integrated lighting inside these components highlights the texture of the elements and also serves to highlight the presence of the shelter and other steel structures as a signal element marking the space. cotejardin.com

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

WINNERS: AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE WINNER RESIDENTIAL Yorkshire Garden Services Inc. - ON

Old Richmond Hill

THIS BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY is located on approximately 3/4 of an acre in the heart of old Richmond Hill and receives weekly garden maintenance. The front yard has a classic English garden feel without too much fluff and the gardens ring the entire perimeter.

The perennial gardens bloom from early spring through late fall. The back yard has a secret woodland garden filled with ferns, brunnera, hosta, redbud, tulip tree, meadowsweet, Japanese forest grass. It provides a cool reprise on a hot summer's day with its cedar mulch pathways and inviting benches. Closer to the house, the patio has a parterre of herbs and flowers for cutting. Underneath the entire property is solid clay which has made irrigation, spring rains, sudden summer thunderstorms and all manner of water management a prime concern. Some areas will retain water more readily than other sections of the garden so moving and changing the plant material has been a work in progress. yorkshiregardenservices.com

WINNER COMMERCIAL Wilco Contractors Southwest Inc. - AB

Mahogany Beach MAHOGANY’S CENTRAL BEACH SITE was purposefully designed as the focal point for the community. Wilco completed Mahogany’s 21 acre Central Beach construction in 2016 and was selected by the Mahogany Homeowners Association to continue to maintain year-round this important feature of the community to this day. For Wilco, it holds a place of pride in our portfolio of work. Areas maintained consist of the beach site, almost four hectares of perfectly manicured turf, thousands of trees, shrubs and flowering plants.

The most challenging aspect of this maintenance contract is the beach itself. Tens of thousands of tons of specialized beach sand was imported during construction, which must be raked neatly every day in the height of summer, ensuring that no litter or debris has been left by users that day. wilcosouthwest.ca

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

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WINNER: AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN Airo Landscapes Inc. - NL

Kensivngton THIS DESIGN SEEKS to combine form and function in two distinct spaces. Although each space plays to both these principles, the front emphasizes form and the back is all about function. The design nestles into its environment, seeking to be respectful of its surroundings and existing vegetation.

The front garden uses organic lines and working with both the horizontal and vertical planes, we created a dynamic and fluid space that moves amongst the mature trees and encompasses the existing plantings. The tangential circular spaces oppose and balance each other. Natural stone walls and stone soldier course enhance the organic nature of the space and create structure. The back garden is a space for informal entertaining. A rectilinear layout organizes the space and reconciles the geometry of the octagonal gazebo.

Plantings surround the space and access points requiring you to walk through and be immersed in the garden. airolandscapes.ca

Watch the virtual awards presentation and winners webinar - including exclusive interviews with the project teams visit the CNLA Youtube page at https://cutt.ly/NALEVideos As always, a big thank you to all of the awards sponsors!

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

Industry Human Resources by stakeholders.

These proposed changes follow consultations with business and labour representatives on potential adjustments to the CEWS program aimed at ensuring that it continues to protect jobs and promote growth.

As of July 27, 2020, the proposed changes to the CEWS program passed through the Senate and received Royal Assent. (Royal Assent is the process by which a bill becomes a Law in Canada”)

UPDATE: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) UPDATE: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER and have been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to August 29, 2020.

On July 17, 2020, the government proposed changes to the CEWS to enable more businesses to be able to access this subsidy.

The proposed changes in the draft legislative proposal were: •

Allow the extension of the CEWS until December 19, 2020, including redesigned program details until November 21, 2020.

•

Make the subsidy accessible to a broader range of employers by including employers with a revenue decline of less than 30 per cent and providing a gradually decreasing base subsidy to all qualifying employers. This would help many struggling employers with less than a 30% revenue loss get support to keep and bring back workers, while also ensuring those who have previously benefited could still qualify, even if their revenues recover and no longer meet the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold.

The purpose of the subsidy is to enable you to rehire workers previously laid-off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further Job losses, and to better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis the pandemic caused.

In order to be eligible to receive the subsidy, as an employer, you must: • • •

Be an eligible employer Have experienced an eligible reduction in revenue Have had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020

To determine if you have an eligible revenue reduction, you need to calculate your reduction by comparing your eligible revenue for the starting month of the claim period with your baseline revenue. The baseline revenue is either: • •

The revenue you earned in the corresponding month in 2019 or, The average of the revenue you earned in January and February.

•

Introduce a top-up subsidy of up to an additional 25% for employers that have been most adversely affected by the pandemic.

•

This would be particularly helpful to employers in industries that are recovering more slowly.

•

Provide certainty to employers that have already made business decisions for July and August by ensuring they would not receive a subsidy rate lower than they would have had under the previous rules.

•

Address certain technical issues identified

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA launched CEBA to ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, and better position them to quickly return to providing services to their communities and creating employment.

This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022, will result in loan forgiveness of 25% (up to $10,000).

As of June 26, 2020, businesses eligible for CEBA now include owner-operated 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. This means that more small businesses can access it.

Applicants without at least $20,000 in payroll in 2019 will have to demonstrate having eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1,500,000 in 2020.

The expanded CEBA is being made available gradually by more than 230 financial institutions across the country, starting with the larger banks. Other participating financial institutions will start offering the program over the coming weeks.

All applications are administered through your financial institution. Please visit your institution’s website for more information or the FAQs.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

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Industry Human Resources • •

Landscape Horticulturist, Red Seal & Apprenticeship Grants DID YOU KNOW THAT LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURIST is a Red Seal trade? In fact, Landscape Horticulturist was the 50th trade to be designated and it happened in the 50th year of the history of Red Seal! A tradesperson who passes their Red Seal exam receives a Red Seal Endorsement, which is proof that they have met the national standards of their trade.

Tradespeople are vital to Canada’s economy and as such, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the government of Canada have put special grants in place for apprentices to assist them in their learning as well as special programs for businesses that hire and take on apprentices to assist in their training. A few of these are listed below.

APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVE GRANT (AIG)

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person.

To be eligible for the AIG, you must: • • • •

•

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person; Not be a high school student; Have the required AIG supporting documents; Be registered with your provincial/ territorial apprenticeship authority as an apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade; and Provide proof that you have successfully completed either the 1st and/or 2nd year or level (or equivalent) in a designated Red Seal trade.

If you progressed on or after January 1, 2019, your deadline is: 12 months following your date of progression.

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

APPRENTICESHIP COMPLETION GRANT (ACG)

The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a one-time taxable cash grant lifetime amount of $2,000 per person for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journeyperson certification.

To be eligible for the ACG, you must: •

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person;

•

Not be a high school student;

•

Have the required ACG supporting documents;

•

•

Show that you have completed an apprenticeship program as a registered apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade, Provide proof of your journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade.

If you completed your program on or after January 1, 2019, your deadline is 12 months following your date of progression Due to COVID-19 the application deadline for all the Apprenticeship Grants is being extended.

We encourage you to complete your application online and mail-in your supporting documents.

It is recommended that you sign up for direct deposit to ensure seamless delivery of payments

HIRING & TRAINING APPRENTICES

There are many benefits for employers who hire and train apprentices including an impressive return on investment for their efforts. Employers get employees who are willing to learn and work hard and take part in developing and strengthening Canada’s workforce with needed skills in trades.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the skilled trades and the value of employers who provide apprenticeship training and has several supports in place.

Some of these include: •

Job Bank for Employers (for free job posting and HR services)

Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit Employment Insurance Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program

With over 400 apprenticeship training programs available across Canada, it is important to keep in mind that each province and territory has its own training and certification policies, as well as its own list of designated apprenticeship programs.

Contact your province or territory for more information.

APPRENTICESHIP JOB CREATION TAX CREDIT

The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) is a non-refundable investment tax credit (ITC) equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006.

The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice.

If your business hires an eligible apprentice, you qualify to claim the credit.

DETERMINING IF THE APPRENTICE IS ELIGIBLE: An eligible apprentice is someone who is working in a prescribed trade in the first two years of their apprenticeship contract.

This contract must be registered with a federal, provincial, or territorial government under an apprenticeship program designed to certify or license individuals in the trade. A prescribed trade includes the trades currently listed as Red Seal Trades.

CLAIMING THE CREDIT: If you are an employer, you will be able to claim the AJCTC on your individual income tax return, on line 41200 – Investment tax credit by filing form T2038(IND), Investment Tax Credit (Individuals).

Also, any unused credit may be carried back 3 years and carried forward 20 years.

When two or more related employers employ the same apprentice, special rules apply to ensure that the $2,000 limit is allocated to only one employer.

Professional Development Recently Awarded Landscape Horticulturist Certifications Technician OrnamentalMaintenance Afif Lwis, CLHT BC Joe Jordan, CLHT

BC

Designations as of September 1, 2020

Recertification WITH THE YEAR COMING TO AN END, this reminder is for members due to renew their certification. Participate in activities for earning continuing education units (CEUs) and record a minimum of 24 CEUs in the recertification form (cnlagetcertified. ca/designations/recertification).

Members earn CEUs for industry-related education and service. Details of activities that qualify for CEUs are listed on the form.

Visit your provincial and nursery landscape association website for opportunities to earn CEUs from online learning activities.

Submit completed recertification forms with necessary supporting evidence.

Members due to renew in 2020 have until the end of June 2021 to renew, after which a late fee will be charged.

Renewals are valid for a 2-year period.

Certifications lapse if they are not renewed one year past the due date. To reinstate a lapsed certification, members are required to register, write, and pass the written exams for their designation.

Valid-8 Webinars WE ARE LOOKING for certified individuals to participate in assessing hands-on practical skills for technicians in Valid-8 under the new Landscape Horticulture Certification Program (LHCP).

In collaboration with Vametric, the Valid-8 system administrator, CNLA is offering a series of recorded webinars to empower volunteers to assess video submissions for Certified Landscape Horticulturist Technician (CLHT) hands-on practical tests.

If you were unable to attend the live webinars

but listen to the recordings, you may claim CEUs only after you've contacted CNLA to indicate your willingness to be enrolled as Valid-8 assessors. Valid-8 is a web-based solution that makes technician certification more accessible and convenient. It allows candidates to capture videos of themselves demonstrating required hands-on skills and competence and submit them for assessment against pre-determined criteria and standards.

Earn continuing education units (CEUs) toward maintaining your Landscape Horticulture Certification by watching the webinars and volunteering to become a Valid-8 assessor.

1 CEU per hour of instruction or service Contact Professional Development at CNLA for more information! certification@cnla-acpp.ca (905) 875-1399 ext. 8620

Transitioning Certified Members to LHCP PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED MEMBERS who have maintained their certification are being transitioned and awarded equivalent under the LHCP. By this fall, transition packages containing LHCP certificates, wallet cards, lapel pins, etc., will be mailed to certified members with up to date certifications.

For questions about your LHCP transition package or current certification status, contact Professional Development at CNLA: certification@cnla-acpp. ca, (905) 875-1399 ext. 8620

Mettl & LHCP partner for Online Written Exams THE NEW LHCP strives to make certification more accessible and convenient for practitioners across the country. To this end, CNLA is partnering with Mettl to deliver written tests for technician, designer, and manager certifications. Mettl is an online examination system with live proctoring features that ensure tests are delivered without compromising their security and integrity.

TESTIMONIALS “Certification has benefitted my company in some very important ways, it helps to build confidence with customers and justify our charge out rates. People want assurance that the work will be done properly carried out by qualified individuals. Certification has also enhanced the culture of the company and improved staff retention.

Becoming Certified is a great way to recognize staff who have amassed skills and knowledge and provides them a positive step to advance their careers. The flexibility of the new program will allow even more people to participate in the program, at their own pace and in real life scenarios. The new Canadian program has also been streamlined to better align with the Canadian Landscape Standard and Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist program making it even more relevant.�

Jeff Foley, CLHT, CLHM Chair, CNLA Professional Development, President & CEO, Para Space Landscaping Inc. Burnaby, BC

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

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Growers Canada tolerant Castanea dentata was developed to help in restoring this tree in North American forests.

An interconnected web – Oat disease and the Buckthorn COMMON BUCKTHORN (Rhamnus

cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnu) are non-native, deciduous, woody shrubs or small trees that were introduced into North America in the 1880’s and were widely planted as fencerows and windbreaks in agricultural fields. Alderleaf buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) is a deciduous, native shrub or small tree. It is a desirable native plant that is not invasive and plays an important role in the ecosystem.

In Canada’s Plant Protection Regulations, Section 50 lists three plant species for which movement within Canada, or parts of Canada, is prohibited. Rhamnus spp. along with some barberry and potato plants of blue or purple skin make up that list. Import, export and domestic movement of all Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.) is prohibited across all of Canada. The reason for this is that it is an impediment to the control of crown rust disease in oats.

CFIA is reviewing this particular prohibition of movement and is developing a risk management decision (RMD) to determine if Rhamnus spp. should continue to be regulated, if changes are necessary or if this plant could potentially be deregulated. For the time being, this law remains in effect.

Wheat genes take on chestnut blight AT THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (SUNY), researchers in partnership

with the American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project have inserted a gene from wheat into the American chestnut genome and developed a plant tolerant to Cryphonectria parasitica, the fungal pathogen responsible for chestnut blight. Named Darling 58, this blight

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2020

Tolerance for the pathogen was enhanced by adding a gene for an enzyme called oxalate oxidase (OxO). This enzyme has no direct fungicidal properties, but rather detoxifies oxalic acid produced by the fungus, preventing the acid from killing the chestnut’s tissues which can lead to lethal cankers on the tree. Darling 58 can co-exist with the fungus.

The OxO gene from wheat was chosen because it is well characterized, effectively detoxifies oxalate, and is consumed daily by people and livestock. Even with the ubiquity of OxO in the environment and agriculture, there are no reports of the enzyme being detrimental to human or animal health, having adverse effect on the environment, or being a plant pest risk.

Chinook SunriseTMTM & Oscar Peterson win Gold!

THIS PAST JUNE, two CNLA roses captured

gold in the Floribunda category at the first International Rose Trials in Nyon, Switzerland.

Oscar Peterson, marketed by Bailey’s Nurseries as part of their Easy Elegance collection can be grown on its own roots, is cold hardy to Zone 3 and heat tolerant to zone 8, has fantastic disease resistance and beautiful recurrent creamy white blooms. Chinook Sunrise, the second addition to Vineland’s 49th Parallel collection blooms in a flush with exotic coral colours, has superior black spot tolerance and is winter hardy across Canada.

Because Darling 58 is a bioengineered plant, it is regulated and cannot be released in the US until it is granted non-regulated status. In January of this year, SUNY submitted a petition to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA requesting a determination of non-regulated status for Darling 58. The plant has been studied in detail and no plant pest or environmental risks have been observed or are expected.

The American Chestnut Foundation and the researchers are developing a plan to cross Darling 58 with a diverse set of surviving American Chestnuts over multiple generations which should result in a diverse and resilient population suitable for large scale restoration efforts. If granted non-regulated status, Darling 58 will be made available for not-forprofit distribution to the public and to groups including private, indigenous and public restoration programs. Restoration efforts will primarily be managed by the American Chestnut Foundation.

Following strict guidelines from the World Federation of Rose Societies, these trials also have a focus on sustainability with a “zero spraying” regulation to test all roses without the interference of chemical or biological pest and disease control. In the trials, 27 breeders from 13 different countries participated. The breeders came from Canada, Germany, Belgium, China, Denmark, Spain, United States, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Poland and Switzerland.

88 varieties from 27 breeders were included in the trials. With only 9 gold medals awarded, having two of these gold medal varieties originating from Canadian breeding efforts is indeed a great accomplishment! The gold medal wins show that Canadian roses can compete head to head with roses from long-established breeders such as Kordes and Roses Forever. The wins have also generated more buzz in Europe about the CNLA roses, which plays well into the goal of the New Plant Development Committee and Vineland to build international markets for these varieties.

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