Fall CNLA Newsbrief 2021 by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

FALL 2021 - Vol. 30 Issue 3

NATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS INSURANCE PROGRAM UPDATE

VACCINATION REGULATIONS

CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

INSIDE: a preview of our Centennial book SINCE 1922 CNLA - CENTENNIAL LOGO 2022

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*For offer terms and conditions, and further details and information, visit Cat.com/en_US/promotions/compact-equipment-offers. **Rates above are based on a 1.3 conversion from USD. For CNLA member offer terms and conditions, visit Cat.com/CNLA. ©2021 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate 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.

A S S O C I AT I O N U P D AT E

CNLA 100th ANNIVERSARY EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Anthony O’Neill - NL Past President Phil Paxton, CLHT, CLHM - AB First Vice President & Bill Hardy, CLHM - BC Communications Chair Second Vice President Anita Heuver - AB T reasurer & Climate Change Alan White - ON and Adaptation Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rene Thiebaud, OALA, CLM CNLA volunteer and chair of the 100-year Anniversary Committee

GREETINGS FELLOW CNLA MEMBERS, It is with great pleasure to share the exciting news of the CNLA 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.

For the past 18 months the CNLA 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE and staff have been planning a celebration of our industry. On August 11th, 2022, we will be celebrating CNLA’s 100th Anniversary in our Nations Capitol. The day will include a Bus Tour of local member companies and some of Ottawa’s great attractions. The evening will be capped with the 100TH GALA at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier! A commemorative yearbook is in the works with Rita Weerdenburg at the helm. Many CNLA members have taken part in information gathering sessions with Rita and we are looking forward to a fantastic recap of our past history and accomplishments. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to share the celebration with fellow friends and members of CNLA. Please read the 100th Anniversary introduction in this issue of the CNLA Newsbrief. Thank you and hope to see you in Ottawa this August!

Rene

-PREVIEW OF THE CNLA 100th YEARBOOK ON PAGE 12

BCLNA Landscape AB Landscape SK MBNLA Landscape ON Landscape NS & Garden Centres Canada Chair Landscape NB/PEI & Member Services Chair & Insurance Chair Landscape NL Landscape Canada Chair Research Chair Government Relations Co-Chair Professional Development Development Chair & Human Resources Chair Growers Canada Chair

Michael Kato - BC Jeff Oudyk - AB Aaron Krahn - SK Guy Dowhy, RSE, CLHT, CLHM - MB Paul Brydges, CLD - ON Robin Godfrey - NS

Kevin Nauss, CLHM - NB Peggy Head - NL Leslie Cornell, RSE - SK Vic Krahn, CLHT - SK Christene LeVatte - NS Jeff Foley, CLHT, CLHM - BC Jeff Olsen - ON

CNLA 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 & Anne Kadwell, CLHT Retail Sector Specialist anne@cnla-acpp.ca Industry Human Resources & Leslie Sison, CAE Government Relations leslie@cnla-acpp.ca Communications Dave Mazur Specialist dave@cnla-acpp.ca Communications Lauryn Mullan Coordinator lauryn@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services, COPF Teagan Schroeder & Special Projects teagan@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services, Megan Farias COPF Administration megan@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services Nicole Xavier Coordinator nicole@cnla-acpp Professional Edith Oyosoro Development edith@cnla-acpp.ca Environmental Frydda Sandoval Policy Coordinator frydda@cnla-acpp.ca Director of Development Jerry Lawlor Jerry@cnla-acpp.ca CNLA Special Projects & Christine Finn Landscape NL ED Christine@cnla-acpp.ca Minor Use/ Peter Isaacson B.Sc. MPM IPM Coordinator peter@cnla-acpp.ca

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Health Solutions and a Digital Future BY JUDY PLOTKIN MSW, VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH SOLUTIONS

HEALTH SOLUTIONS is People

Corporation’s wellness and health division. People Corporation is a leading provider of group benefit consulting and administration in Canada. Health programs are a critical part of a benefits organization because they help plan sponsors health cost drivers. Health solutions can positively impact the financial sustainability of employee benefit plans and mitigate the cost risks. Health Solutions at People Corporation helps achieve these objectives by: 1. Consulting with Plan Sponsors to help set health goals and establish outcome measures for wellness programs. 2. Providing innovation; addressing emerging health and wellness trends with new products. 3. Providing programs that are unique and customized for the organization.

Health Solutions at People Corporation addresses challenges such as: l How do we keep employees engaged? l How do we deal more effectively with employee mental health? l How do we manage the risks posed by chronic and serious diseases?

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

WHY HEALTH & WELLNESS?

Wellness influences Plan Members. In 2020 Sanofi published health and wellness focused research.1 Their findings included the fact that in organizations with a wellness culture, plan members report 90% satisfaction with their jobs, which is 30% higher compared to organizations without a wellness and health focused culture. Their findings also revealed that wellness is important to Plan Sponsors.Plan Sponsors will invest in wellness and health outside of traditional benefits; 89% of plan sponsors report that they have a specific plan for wellness spending in the coming year.

FUTURE FOCUS DIGITAL HEALTH

Promoting healthy behaviours and giving members a personalized digital experience will emerge as key future trends in wellness. Keeping members actively engaged in their health will be important to the future success of corporate health programs. We often think of virtual medicine as digital health, but it is much broader than that. Digital health includes a variety of solutions that span virtual reality, health management, portable diagnostics, genomics, and remote care. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to algorithms that may enhance the user experience by increasing the personalized responses of the digital health application. Not all digital health includes AI. When we think of virtual medicine, telehealth, or virtual mental health these are just components of the whole digital landscape. How do we know which digital solutions are emerging as leaders; what should we look for? According to the Medical Futurist Institute some of the features that a company venturing into digital health must possess to hold potential in the field are as follows: l Mindset for innovation l Truly disruptive technology l Clear dedication to digital health. Some of the most exciting health product developments here at People Corporation

have been digital. Today we offer People Connect virtual mental health care, Total Health telemedicine and Health Coaching for diabetes and weight management.

OUR SOLUTIONS

People Connect: a proprietary mental health platform that includes a knowledge forum and library, diagnostic assessment tool and affordable access to video therapy with psychiatric collaboration. People Connect Total Health: a virtual telehealth program that includes 24/7, on-demand access to health available for prescriptions, diagnosis, medical referrals and more. This is combined with People Connect for mental health and includes access to a leading virtual pharmacy. People Connect CAREpath: this is the addition of medical second opinion, cancer assistance and medical navigation, with world renowned physicians. This solution adds access to oncology experts and nurse specialists to our mental health support program, People Connect. This is a targeted service for employees dealing with complex health conditions. Health Coaching: People Corporation’s Chronic Disease Management is a virtual Health Coach. We offer employees the tools and live support designed to help them better manage chronic symptoms in their daily lives through better diet and nutrition. Want to learn more about Health Solutions and virtual care? wellness@peoplecorporation.com 1

Sanofi Health Care Survey 2020

Bertalan Meskó, MD, PhD, Director TMFI

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

N AT I O N A L A W A R D S

NATIONAL AWARDS OF LANDSCAPE EXCELLENCE THE NATIONAL AWARDS

were held virtually again this year and once again the winners have demonstrated the very best-of-the-best in landscape horticulture projects in Canada. Many thanks to our sponsors this is white behind who make thebox awards possible.

Aden Earthworks Toronto, Ontario

Strathmore Landscape Contractors LaSalle, Quebec

Caterpillar National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Construction.

HortProtect National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Maintenance.

VisionScapes Calgary, Alberta

Granville Island Vancouver, British Columbia

NATIONAL HortProtect National Award AWARDS OF of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Maintenance. LANDSCAPE Fossil Landscape Construction Ltd. The Cultivated Garden EXCELLENCE Vancouver, British Columbia Toronto, Ontario Caterpillar National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Construction.

National Award of Excellence for Landscape Design.

so the screened leaves will show correctly

NATIONAL AWARDS Aden Earthworks Inc OF MUSEE PICASSO LANDSCAPE This downtown Toronto projectEXCELLENCE was not an easy one.

Caterpillar ‘Green For Life’ Community Award.

2021 category company name

Daily design changes were made, which made it extremely challenging for us. The 20-Story building is located in the heart of downtown in one of the most desirable neighborhoods. It has become an area for fashionistas, artisans, foodies and night life.

NATIONAL AWARDS OF LANDSCAPE Key Features: EXCELLENCE • South side of the building is an open park concept with

trees and concrete planter walls with beautiful gardens. Also note the custom made Ipe benches and great pavers

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CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

Terrace area includes another outdoor area with outdoor BBQ and seating area as well as more pavers and gardens to enjoy the incredible view SPONSORED BY:

N AT I O N A L A W A R D S

The Cultivated Garden IVEY RESIDENCE

Elevated from street level but sunken away from the house this lush terraced back garden has a great view of the downtown skyline. The borrowed scenery of the distant trees appears to be part of the garden and creates

the impression that the space is much larger than it is. An added bonus of the elevation is the birds eye view of the green roof planted with assorted low growing Sedum on the roof of the garage. The downside is that, in this urban environment, the utility lines are clearly visible. To avoid this would have meant planting tall trees along the perimeter that could have camouflaged the wires but compromised the great view. An elegant water feature abuts the patio and dining space. Rhododendron and Peony usher in the spring. Assorted perennials such as Pulsatilla, Hemerocallis, Anemone, Lavender, Perovskia, Brunnera, Phlox and shrubs including Lilac and Hydrangea to name a few, bloom throughout the season in shades of purples, pinks and whites. Fragrant Sweet Allysum borders the east perennial bed. Pruned Yew and Boxwood hedges and balls give the viewer several focal points but the garden still feels more natural than formal. The front garden is planted with evergreens and broad leaf evergreens and ground cover for year round interest. The clean lines of the front garden complement the contemporary design of the house. Much skill and frequent pruning is required to keep this front garden looking so manicured.

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Pool area was challenging but we got it done, everything from pergolas to the stone pavers.

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Property landscape installation included; custom colour pavers, heavy duty pavers, city sidewalks and curbs, back filling, grading and soil compaction, recycled water for irrigation, bike racks and custom Ipe benches. SPONSORED BY:

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

N AT I O N A L A W A R D S

Fossil Landscape Construction Ltd.

WEST VANCOUVER ESTATE Privacy and security were serious issues for this client. One of their main goals was to have the entirety of the property line fenced continuously. This was achieved with a combination of chain link and decorative metal picket fencing, depending on the area. Large parts of the property are now accessible for the first time, linked up by a network of paths. The owner was conscious of wanting to access these areas without the need to walk across their lawn in wet weather. A previously overgrown, steep

bank at the base of the property was carefully cleared - and planted with specimens that would fill in and over take the invasive plants. This part of the garden also includes a gate in the perimeter fence that allows access to the neighbouring 75 hectare public park. Areas furthest from the house were kept natural yet manicured; areas closer to the residence were treated more formally, such as the paved entry courtyard, front curved walkway and the destination fire-pit terrace.

In collaboration with the Architect and the Landscape Architect, we were entrusted with the renovation of this entire property, to make it more usable and more aesthetically pleasing. The previous owner had let the maintenance of the garden slide dramatically. With such a large property, regular site reviews with the Architect and Landscape Architect were important, to prioritize the most important and prominent areas, and keep the overall budget in check, without compromising on quality.

Strathmore Landscape Contractors RIDEAU CANAL CORRIDOR

It was with great pride that Strathmore took over the maintenance of the Rideau Canal Corridor in April 2018. After two full seasons of maintenance, we are happy to see the progress of the property. This property is home to the largest display of tulips in the National Capital Region, over 600,000 in bloom every spring. But the work doesn’t end with the tulips. Strathmore provides 12-month maintenance and porter services on this property. All the iconic tulip beds are planted with annuals in the month of June. Perennial beds are maintained throughout the season and tree and turf maintenance are also a part of this 7,000,000 square foot contract. In 2019, Strathmore introduced the first remote-controlled mower to the Capital Region in order to ensure safe mowing of the slopes on the Rideau Canal property.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

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Visionscapes LOTUS GARDEN

The Lotus Garden may be one of our most intricate designs completed to date. Our clients desired an Asian Inspired Vibe to their home that they had recently purchased. The clients had many requests and nothing but the best would do. But with discerning taste and our desire to push the boundary of what could be completed, the result became one of the most prestigious yards we have ever had the opportunity to design and build. One of the most challenging aspects of the build was the construction of the 2200 lb. hand carved stone Buddha that was commissioned out of Bali 6 months prior to us starting

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construction. It was our job to incorporate all these stone sculptures, pots, and unique features that the client chose and fit them seamlessly into the back yard of this home. Other features included custom outdoor bedding, Wolf Range, marine grade outdoor cabinetry and various architectural antiques. A collector of all things exotic, including vehicles, our clients wanted this design and build to be all “one off” features that we had not designed or built in the past. We truly believe that every great outdoor environment combines these three elements: Fire, Food and Water.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

N AT I O N A L A W A R D S

Para Space Inc. GRANVILLE ISLAND

This year’s Green For Life Community Award winner is ParaSpace Inc., of British Columbia for their project Granville Island. Granville Island is more than just a tourist attraction – it has become a major, essential part of Vancouver culture. The 37-acre oasis houses a large landscape, including the community favourite, 150 oak wine barrels that hold seasonal flower displays. These displays are swapped out 3 times a year to ensure the community can enjoy a colourful atmosphere during their trips to the island for groceries, art supplies, or for pleasure. The Island boasts an

Before

impressive sprawling landscape including over 400 trees, 150 seasonal flower displays, 2.5 acres of lawn, 2 outdoor amphitheaters, 2 ponds and 3 playgrounds. From shoppers, foodies, kids or lovers of outdoor spaces, there truly is something for everyone! Operationally self-sustaining, Granville Island is home to more than 300 businesses employing more than 3,000 people.

After

Innovative Ideas include: l Installing three Seabins in the waters of Granville Island, and to engage in waste characterization, plastic education, and advocacy. l Trash skimmers collect floating debris such as macroplastics as small as 2mm, microfibers, hydrocarbons, and contaminated organic waste like seaweed. l To keep the lawns looking lush and weed free, the maintenance specifications for Granville Island include longer than usual mow heights. By doing this, the grass is naturally able to shade out and prevent invasive lawns weeds from taking over, while still allowing pollinator friendly plants. As Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub, located in an urban, waterfront location and steeped in a rich industrial and maritime heritage, this unique destination attracts millions of visitors each year from Vancouver and around the world.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

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C L I M AT E C H A N G E & A D A P TAT I O N

Climate Change: A Call to Action for the Horticulture & Landscape Professions BY JOSEPH MERRITT, MLA, DIP HORT, CLHM, CHT

THE CONSEQUENCES of climate

change for Canadians are being experienced here and now. Canada’s Changing Climate Report (2019) has identified that Canada is warming twice the global rate, which means the effects of extreme weather events will increasingly and more harshly impact us, more so than many other countries (Bush & Lemmen, 2019). The devastating impacts of climate change can be seen from a small selection of news images reported within a snapshot period of 24 hours on June 30, 2021. Horticulture/landscaping has a massive role in educating its practitioners, partners and the public in the environmental and climate change benefits that the profession can offer. It is well understood that naturalized landscapes have many positive benefits to human health and natural life systems; “nature plays a critical role in providing food and feed, energy, medicines and genetic resources and a variety of materials fundamental for people’s physical well-being” (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 2019, p. 10).

The horticulture/landscaping profession has an arsenal of solutions to reducing environmental degradation and the devastating impacts of climate change. Biophilic, symbiotic, and naturalized resilient planting increases carbon and particulate sequestration and storage, and therefore, consequently, GHG emissions are mitigated. Naturalised green spaces are significant in reducing air pollution, reducing the heat island effect, supporting pollinators and other wildlife, reducing urban flooding, reducing water shortages and pollution, and controlling invasive species name but a few benefits. Climate is not the only thing that needs to change! Horticulture/landscaping can be a significant part of the climate change solution. Still, our profession has to take stock and reflect on its current practices and current climate change stance. Written by: Joseph Merrett, MLA, Dip Hort, CLHM, CHT Merrett Environmental and Climate Consulting. Email: merrettec@protonmail.com Website & Blog: https://merettecwixsite.com/my-site Master’s Thesis (Climate Change): https://hdl.handle.net/10214/25725

References:

Bush, E., and Lemmen, D.S. (2019) Canada’s Changing Climate Report; Government of Canada, Ottawa, ON. Retrieved August 24, 2019, from https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019 Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). (2019). Summary for Policymakers of the IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Retrieved February 10, 2021, from https://ipbes.net/sites/default/ files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summar y_for_policymakers.pdf MSN. (2021) Weather News. Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://www.msn.com/en-ca/ weather/today/weather-today/we-city?el=kGB1livgFMHvzWqORCkr32WXzvKAzP%2BTbVRQ mXmFcUZ4VdnC7iYbUEuTB8MiS37mDn2pBzSN2XmwSujuBY81dcw5VlOgtCYEnNvbL28jnv5tv2GgGtqLDwYdBF2BDbOj5srjByUesrYcCE8KvXNyRg%3D%3D&weadegreetype=C&ocid=msedgntp SPONSORED BY:

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

C E N T E N N I A L C E L E B R AT I O N

Celebrating 100 Years of Horticulture

The Burlap Book

TO CELEBRATE their 100 years as

Canada’s national trade association, the CNLA is currently engaged in the publication of an historical yearbook, to chronicle a century’s worth of milestones and achievements of both the industry and the Association. The Centennial Yearbook will be unveiled at the gala event which will appropriately be held in the nation’s capital in conjunction with the CNLA summer meetings in August 2022. You do not have to wait until next August however, to learn more about the growth and development of the ornamental horticulture sector in Canada. In 1967, the Canadian Nursery Trades Association as they were then known, used the occasion of Canada’s centennial to celebrate the industry and their accomplishments through the

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

publication of a Centennial Yearbook. With a burlap cover to symbolize the down-to-earth, grass roots nature of the sector, the yearbook has come to be known simply as The Burlap Book. The wonderful assortment of articles that make up the 1967 Centennial Yearbook were contributed by well-known industry personalities of the day. They include an historical look at the very earliest days of nursery production and landscape construction, the role of the national associations and histories of the regional associations, plant breeding and ornamental research and so much more. Visionaries such as R.J. Hilton and Frank Skinner dared to predict what the future had in store for the sector. Spoiler alert: their always positive predictions have more than come true!

Any mention of the Burlap Book, a significant undertaking for the CNLA at that time, would not be complete without an acknowledgement of the efforts of editor Art Drysdale. With a long history of industry involvement as a magazine contributor and editor, Art was committed to keeping the industry, and especially the association on their proverbial toes, with his many editorials to make readers aware of current issues. There were not many people in the industry that Art did not know, and he used his contacts to good advantage for the compilation of historical and horticultural features. The Burlap Book is now available in digital format and has become a part of the CNLA’s on-line publication line-up. We offer a small compendium of interesting tidbits taken from its pages with the hope that some of them will arouse your curiosity SPONSORED BY:

and desire to know more. Simply visit https://issuu.com/cnla and peruse the pages of the Burlap Book at your leisure.

A SENATOR IS PART OF THE ASSOCIATION’S HISTORY

The name Ernest Disraeli Smith may not mean anything to you, but you will certainly be familiar with ED Smith and the strawberry jam that bears his name. A grower of fruit trees and later ornamental The fresno scraper revolutionized earth moving for construction and landscaping. Photo courtesy Kenneth Carpenter

Mr. Albert Brown of Sheridan Nurseries.

IT WAS TRUE THEN, IT’S STILL TRUE TODAY

E.D. Smith

“There can be little doubt that the medical and social advisers of the next generation will agree on the tremendous stimulus to normalcy that is offered by the use of plants in our aesthetic surroundings.” This is only one insight of many offered by R.J. Hilton via “Ornamental Research of the Future.” With his predictions being as true today as they were then, they have

Photo courtesy The Perrault Printing Co.

nursery stock, Mr. Smith, who was later to serve 30 years as a Senator, was one of the founders and first chairs of the Eastern Canadian Nurseryman’s Association. His mini profile is included in the chapter, “Great Canadians in Horticulture,” and further background can be found in “How We Have Grown” by R. Warren Oliver.

The Miss Canada rose was developed to celebrate the Canadian centennial.

proven the astuteness of the author.

SO, WHAT IS A HOOSIER WAGON, ANYWAY?

The Fresno scraper, introduced by Caterpillar in 1928, revolutionized the process of earth moving. Before then, earth moving was accomplished with teams of horses pulling Hoosier wagons, which were loaded by hand. The charge out rate was $1.00 per hour, but the efficiency of modern equipment soon made the Hoosier wagon an uneconomical alternative. For more details on landscape costing in the early 1900s, see the article “Landscaping in Retrospect” by

CELEBRATING OUR LOVE AFFAIR WITH ROSES

Plants and gardening bring hope, happiness and good health to those that enjoy the benefits.

The initiative to introduce an outstanding new rose to help Canadians celebrate their Centennial year while at the same time raising the profile of the nursery sector to the public was started in 1963. The Miss Canada rose as it would soon be named, was developed by amateur hybridizer Fred Blakeney of BC. A tag levy system was implemented to pay for the hiring of a public relations firm. These details and more are provided by Robert Nielsen in the article “Pacesetter – Miss Canada Rose.”

INDUSTRY HUMAN RESOURCES

COVID-19 Vaccination Regulations BY LESLIE SISON, CAE

COVID-19 CONTINUES to play a

major role in how we run our businesses and how we protect our people. Employers are required under Health and Safety legislation to take every reasonable e a precaution to ensure the health and safety of their staff and workplace, but since the vaccine is not mandatory, staff can refuse to get the shot and that leaves many business owners facing a dilemma. The top question our CNLA Industry Human Resource Staff person receives is “Can I implement a Mandatory Vaccine Requirement for all employees?” Unfortunately, the answer is currently not a simple one. There is no one-size fits all answer at this time, particularly given the absence of legislative direction.

Here is what we do know: As an employer you are unable to ask any personal medical information of your employees. This includes: Are you Vaccinated? Have you been diagnosed with COVID? Do you have any medical conditions? …Or anything concerning their personal medical history. This is

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

protected in Canada under the Human Rights Act. We must also remember that some people may be unable to take the vaccine due to pre-existing medical conditions or religious beliefs.

What can you do?

This is the big question. Act Cautiously. We have already seen different mandates for various provinces and information is changing on an almost daily basis. There has been a strong argument of Public Safety over privacy, however how that will ultimately play out is yet to be seen. It is not unprecedented for vaccinations to be mandated. It is very much a factor in the Canadian school system for example, yet, it has not been mandated for all businesses. In recent days we have seen more and more companies and institutions where vaccines are being mandated, (Federal Governments, some post-secondary schools, health care settings) but for each situation, alternative options are also being provided. Employers should take measures to educate their staff on the benefits of the vaccine, and while doing so, also

work to keep your workplace safe during this time. This could involve: l Updating contracts and documentation to meet legislation. l Creating policies to accommodate staff getting the vaccine. l Keeping your workplace safe and Covid-19 secure (even after vaccination). l Having the right policies helps your workplace stay compliant and keeps your staff safe. Ultimately it is up to you to be compliant with all laws and legislation. We strongly suggest that if you are thinking of putting any policies into effect that you consider speaking with legal to ensure you are not putting yourself at any risk. CNLA will continue to monitor the environment and will advise of any changes as they come into effect.

For more information, contact Leslie Sison, CAE CNLA Industry Human Resources & Government Relations. leslie@cnla-acpp.ca https://cnla.ca

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Recertification Reminder LHCP CERTIFIED members due to recertify on December 31st, 2021 are encouraged to do so. As your extension deadline passed this June 30th, an additional $25 late fee will be charged for your recertification. Be informed that certifications lapse if not renewed more than one year past the recertification date. To reinstate a lapsed certification, the certified member is required to pay the full exam registration fee, retake and pass all written components for their certification.

industry-related trade shows, conferences, seminars, workshops, training webinars, etc., and for service to the industry. While there is no limit to education units claimable, members are allowed to claim a maximum of 12 service units. Visit the LHCP website for more information and recertification forms. CNLA Professional Development Phone: 888-446-3499 Email: certification@cnla-acpp.ca https://cnlagetcertified.ca

Recertification is in progress for members due this December 31st, 2021. CEUs are claimed for educational activities, including participation in online

Get Certified. Get Hired. SPONSORED BY:

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

GROWERS CANADA

Strawberry Blossom Weevil Disruption to Exports BY JAMIE AALBERS

ANTHONOMUS RUBI or Strawberry

Blossom Weevil, is a pest of strawberry (Fragaria spp.) and raspberry (Rubus spp.). Blackberry (Rubus spp.) and rose (Rosa spp.) are considered occasional hosts. The Strawberry blossom weevil is a small black beetle, between 2-3 mm long. They have an armored body with ridges going down their backs and a thin, downwards curved snout that is 1/3 of their body length. Females lay eggs in unopened flower buds of their hosts. The female will then chew through the stem just below the bud, and the bud can drop from the plant if the stem is chewed all the way through. Eggs, larvae and pupae are found inside closed flower buds. The larvae feed and develop in the “clipped” bud, which will reduce the total number of viable buds on the plant. The lost bud will not be able to produce a fruit once clipped. Larvae mature inside these flower buds and exit the buds when they are ready to pupate in leaf litter below the host plant. You may be able to find them by looking inside dead flower buds. The body is 1-2 mm long and milky-white with a tan head at one end.

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

Effective September 14, 2021, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) amended the entry requirements for the importation of Fragaria spp., Rosa spp., and Rubus spp. plants produced in Canada to prevent the introduction of the strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi) into the United States. Strawberry blossom weevil has been reported in British Columbia throughout the Lower Mainland, south of the Fraser River from Hope to Richmond-Delta, and north of the Fraser River from Coquitlam to Dewdney. The CFIA has confirmed that the pest is established in many municipalities of the Fraser Valley and metro Vancouver, British Columbia. Unfortunately, though, the entry requirements introduced by USDA-APHIS apply to exporters in all Canadian provinces. Fragaria spp., Rosa spp., and Rubus spp. plants for planting produced in Canada must now be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating: The plants have been produced and certified by

CFIA as a pest-free place of production or a pest free production site for the strawberry blossom weevil following the requirements of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures-10 (ISPM-10). The shipment has been inspected and found to be free of A. rubi. The entry requirements allow for growers of Fragaria spp. and Rosa spp. who are in the Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP) or the Greenhouse Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP) to ship to the US with a CFIA approved pest module for A. rubi. in lieu of the additional declaration. For growers not in either of these programs a more robust pest module that incorporates some of the systemsbased approaches inherent in CNCP and GCP can be implemented in partnership with your local CFIA staff. By following and implementing the requirements in the CFIA approved pest modules, growers will meet the requirements for a pest free place of production or a pest free production site. However, growers will

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still need to have an inspection prior to shipping to confirm the plants are free of Strawberry Blossom Weevil. CNLA and Flowers Canada Growers (FCG) have been working closely with the CFIA to develop two pest module templates, one for indoor (greenhouse) grown plants and one for outdoor (nursery) grown plants. Each of these modules incorporates more robust prevention and monitoring systems for growers of these hosts in the infested areas of British Columbia. Please contact jamie@canadanursery.com or your local CFIA office if you need a copy of that template.

LDD?

You may have been seeing LD moth or LDD moth in recent literature. Thankfully this is not a new pest! LDD is the abbreviation of Lymantria dispar dispar which you likely recognize as the scientific name for European Gypsy Moth. The Entomological Society of America (ESA), which oversees the common names

of bugs, is getting rid of the common name of the gypsy moth MALE MOTH and the lesser-known gypsy ant. The group announced in July that for the first time it has changed a common name of PUPA an insect because it was offensive. In the past they’ve only reassigned names that weren’t scientifically accurate.

CATERPILLAR

EGG MASSES

“Words matter, and what we call something matters. And by using the former name for Lymantria dispar, it really was very hurtful to the Romani people,” says Chris Stelzig, the executive director of the Entomological Society. The Romani people, or Roma, are Europe’s largest ethnic minority. “Gypsy” is considered a pejorative term. The ESA now prohibits names perpetuating negative stereotypes and welcomes public input about which names to

FEMALE MOTH

change next. So far, over 80 insensitive names have been identified, and over 100 name ideas for L. dispar have streamed in. The LDD moth is an invasive pest that can destroy trees by eating their leaves. It is found in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. For more information, contact Jamie Aalbers, CNLA Growers Manager jamie@cnla-acpp.ca, https://cnla.ca

Jan 11-13, 2022

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Jan 18-20, 2022

CNLA NEWSBRIEF | FALL 2021

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