Clippings for July 6, 2023

While the risk is low across Alberta and Saskatchewan it is still important to monitor your boxwood stock for signs of box tree moth (BTM) in the pupae and larvae stages. Recent shipments out of ON have led to positive finds in the retail garden centre and urban landscapes in provinces to the east. The two most common varieties in the Prairies (Green Mountain & Calgary) are generally propagated in BC, which so far is BTM free. Please see the CFIA infographic and other resources via the Landscape Ontario page on identifying the pest and continue to monitor shipments for any signs, especially if you have received boxwoods imported from Ontario or other easterly locations.

Minister Sean Fraser recently announced the removal of annual occupational caps for program participants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) believe this action will allow more eligible candidates to apply. IRCC is additionally planning a series of additional changes to be introduced by the end of the year, including:

• Expanded open work permit access. (This is part of the agri-food immigration pilot program and is targeted at participants’ family members, regardless of the candidate’s job skill level)
• Allowing unions to vouch for a candidate’s work experience (as an alternative to employment reference letters)
• Providing applicants in Canada with the option to meet the job offer requirement or the education requirement. 
• Accepting work experience obtained under open work permits for vulnerable workers

(Please note that details are still in development for the above points.)

This pilot program targets specific occupations and industries, but we are very pleased to see that our industry was included in the mix. To support employers and candidates, annual occupational caps – the limits for how many candidates can apply for a specific occupation under the pilot – have been eliminated, effective immediately. Removing these limits will provide an opportunity for more eligible candidates to apply:

• Annual overall application cap (2,750) remains the same;
• Eligible industries and occupations remain the same;
• Eligible industries under the pilot remain the same as follows:
• Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116);
• Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114);
• Animal production, excluding aquaculture:

For greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production

NAICS 1114 - Definition.

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing crops of any kind under cover, growing nursery crops and growing flowers. "Under cover" - includes in greenhouses, cold frames, cloth houses, and lath houses. The crops grown are removed at various stages of maturity. For more information on the Agri-food labour pilot, click here.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is further extending the policy suspension requiring advertising in order to receive an LMIA for the SAWP and Agriculture Stream programs until June 30, 2024, given the continued shortage and need in the sector. During this policy-suspension period, employers are still expected to continue efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents. However, employers will not be required to submit such proof with their LMIA application. This information is available online on the TFW Program website.

The TFW Program policy requires employers under the Primary Agriculture stream to advertise on Job Bank or its provincial counterpart in British Columbia, Quebec or Saskatchewan, plus one other location (e.g., local newspaper), for a minimum of 14 calendar days during the three-month period prior to the employer applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This policy aims to ensure that employers make reasonable efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before seeking to hire temporary foreign workers. Domestic recruitment is one of the labour market factors assessed as part of the LMIA process.

This policy was temporarily suspended starting on January 12, 2022 until June 30, 2022, and extended until June 30, 2023 in recognition of the challenges the primary agriculture sector is facing in recruitment, and the vital role it plays in supporting Canada’s food security.



ESDC continues to monitor labour market data to ensure that the Program is properly calibrated and continues to meet its objectives of enabling Canadian employers to fill labour and skills shortages on a temporary basis, when Canadian and permanent residents are not available, and protecting temporary foreign workers while they are in Canada.

The Canadian Garden Council is proud to announce it will unveil the first-ever Garden Hall of Famers in celebration of National Garden Day on June 17^th.

This marks a momentous occasion in recognizing and honouring several historical Canadian figures who have shaped the garden landscape in Canada. The Canadian Garden Council’s Honour Committee meticulously selected the first Garden Hall of Famers group, which includes gardeners, horticulturalists, designers, educators and advocates who have significantly influenced Canada’s garden culture and championed the importance of gardens in our society.

“Together, our committee made the decision to honour 22 historical leaders as the first Garden Hall of Famers,” says David Galbraith, Head of Science at The Royal Botanical Gardens, representative of the Centre for Canadian Historical Horticultural Studies and Chairman of The Canadian Garden Council’s Honour Committee. “These pioneers have fostered innovation and contributed to the growth of the garden community and horticulture industry in Canada and beyond.”

The virtual unveiling of the Garden Hall of Famers allows the public to discover the extraordinary contributions they made to horticulture and garden experience sectors and Canada’s garden culture. Each of the listed Garden Hall of Famers’ achievements has set new benchmarks and serves as an inspiration for future generations.

National Garden Day, observed annually on the third Saturday of June, is dedicated to celebrating the beauty and significance of gardens in our lives. It promotes a unique opportunity for gardeners and gardening organizations to come together, share their passion, and promote the benefits of gardens on our well-being, environment and quality of life of our communities. The virtual unveiling of the first Garden Hall of Famers further amplifies this message by showcasing each historical member and their remarkable work. 

This milestone event promises to be an inspiring and memorable celebration of those who have shaped Canada’s horticultural landscape. For more information, click here.

Time is a ticking, and summer is moving quickly! A reminder that we have special daily pricing for our members to attend the ELCA Excursions Sept 17-21 in Vancouver, BC.

It would be wonderful to have representation from across Canada, the European group is very knowledgeable and excited about sharing everything from climate goals/strategies to hurdles and successes in the landscape profession.

Event details - https://cnla.ca/events/elca-excursions-2023

Event registration- https://cutt.ly/ELCACANREG

Event Hotel block - https://book.passkey.com/e/50480692  

Event AC Flight discount - MJG6MGA1

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and American Express Canada have partnered to offer CNLA members American Express Commercial payment solutions for corporate credit cards.

• Access to working capital with up to 55 days interest-free payback cycle, depending on card, usage Reward points for travel and/or statement credit, depending on payment product
• Travel booking and benefits, depending on payment product
• Easy online management
• Access to direct account manager to assist with new business relationships
• Ask our American Express rep about Welcome Bonus eligibility and guidelines.

More info: https://cnla.ca/savings/american-express-amex

Cat® / Cat® Rental Store: Save up to $2,750 on select CAT equipment and attachment purchases and 10% off the list or book rate for anything rented through the Cat Rental Store.

Travelodge: Save 16% to 20% off stays at Travelodge Canada.

General Motors Canada: Save on select new and unused GMC vehicles. Administration fees apply.

Are you a member of the Landscape Alberta? Are you taking advantage of your Member Benefits?

We offer discounted pricing on vehicles & equipment, industry training,

financial services & much more!

To access the Member Benefits portal, click here. If you don’t have a log-in please reach

out to memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca to request one.