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Clippings
April 6, 2017
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April is Safe Digging Month
Alberta has a very comprehensive and complex underground infrastructure that provides essential goods and services to all Albertans. Each year, there are numerous instances where the integrity of this infrastructure is jeopardized by improperly conducted ground disturbances. Failure to Click, Tap or Call Before You Dig to have buried facilities identified and their locations marked prior to disturbing the ground, is the most frequent cause of buried facility damage.
All ground disturbers, including contractors, homeowners and land owners, can save time and money and keep themselves and our province safe and connected by following ground disturbance and buried facility damage prevention Best Practices. These include contacting Alberta One-Call in advance of any ground disturbance project, waiting for the buried facility locates to be done, respecting the locate marks, exposing any conflicting buried facilities before using mechanical excavation equipment, and digging with care.
As April is the traditional start-up of the annual digging season, the Alberta Damage Prevention Council proclaims April as SAFE DIGGING MONTH and encourages all ground disturbers to always Click, Tap or Call Before You Dig.
www.albertaonecall.com or download the mobile app or call 1-800-242-3447.
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Federal Budget Highlights
After a delay, Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau unveiled a largely status quo budget as the Liberal government attempts to prepare for policy changes in the U.S.
Among the announcements that could impact employers were an option for parents to receive EI parental benefits over an extended period of up to 18 months at a lower benefit rate of 33 per cent of average weekly earnings. EI parental benefits would continue to be available at the existing benefit rate of 55 per cent over a period of up to 12 months.
For employers, a review of maternity and parental top up policies would make sense as the extended period at the lower rate could have an impact on the top up amounts. Employer costs for these leaves could increase as a result of this change.
Canadians can expect to see a five-cent increase in EI premium rates in fiscal 2018 -19, up to $1.68 per $100 of insurable earnings, with some of that additional premium being used to fund expanded access to benefits.
In addition, the budget did not include a tax on employer-sponsored health and dental benefit premium.
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150 Garden Experience Highlighted for Canada's 150
In March, CNLA sponsored the Canada 150 Garden Experience awards that were given out during the North American Garden Tourism conference in Toronto, Ontario. Each of the 150 experiences were highlighted as "garden ways" to celebrate Canada's birthday year. CNLA encourages everyone to view the list and take part in as many as you can!
Included in the 150, were Parkland Nurseries and Garden, the International Peace Garden in Manitoba, Sheridan Nurseries, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture, Pink Days in Bloom fundraising events, and 145 more. View the full list at
www.gardencouncil.ca/150-2017-winners.php
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Agricultural Policy Framework
The Alberta Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of Growing Forward programming. With Growing Forward 2 set to expire in March 2018 they have already begun to look ahead. Landscape Alberta will be working to submit general policy position. As always we encourage members to participate directly. The survey can be found at
www.alberta.ca/agricultural-policy-framework-engagement.aspx.
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New Board of Directors
The Association's Annual General Meeting was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Calgary on March 8, 2017. About 60 members were present to hear details on the previous year's accomplishments and to elect the new board. Your board for 2017/2018 is:
- Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd.
- Ken Ruddock, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc.
- Jeff Oudyk, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd.
- Laura Watson, Finning (Canada)
- Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd.
- John van Roessel, JVR Landscape (2006) Ltd.
- Keith Plowman, K Plowman Contracting Ltd.
- Adam Jansen, The Jansen Group
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Alberta Presentation of the 2016 Census of Agriculture Results
The results of the 2016 Census of Agriculture will be released on May 10, 2017. In order to share the data as widely as possible, Statistics Canada will be travelling across Canada to present the results.
The 1.5 hour presentation will include provincial and Canadian highlights of the 2016 Census of Agriculture, as well as a demonstration on how to find and access detailed Census data using the Statistics Canada website.
The presentation will be held May 31, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Courtyard Marriott Edmonton Downtown, 1 Thornton Court, Edmonton, AB.
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Having an Event?
Are you planning an industry event? Let us know and we will add to our
events calendar on the
Landscape Alberta website. If you would you like a representative from Landscape Alberta to attend your event, let us know and we will do our best to make it out. Send your event listings to:
kyla@landscape-alberta.com. Be sure to include date, time, location and a web link (if applicable).
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Benefits for Members across the Country
NEBS: Members save 15% on printed products (including logo design). Receive discounted rates with NEBS Payweb payroll system.
Group Buy Protect: Provide your business with up to $1 million in legal expense insurance coverage. Available legal assistance with contract disputes and debt recovery.
Take advantage of these discounts and save thousands - see all the deals at the CNLA website
http://www.cnla-acpp.ca/benefits.
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Upcoming Events
April 6, 2017. STOPDED AGM & Conference, Olds College, Olds, AB.
www.stopded.org
May 5, 2017.
City of Edmonton Arbor Day,
Gold Bar Park, Edmonton, AB.
www.edmonton.ca
May 10-11, 2017.
Skills Canada Alberta Provincial Competition,
Northlands Expo Centre, Edmonton, AB.
www.skillsalberta.com
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If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like more information on upcoming events, please contact us at 1-800-378-3198 or email
admin@landscape-alberta.com
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