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Author: Kyla Hardon

Calgary: Clarification on Stage 4 Water Restrictions

We've been hearing from some members about ongoing concerns with the current water restrictions in place in Calgary.  Today we reached out to clarify the Stage 4 restrictions when it comes to plant materials.
Please see the information below.  While this situation in unique in regards to the conditions under which stage 4 was implemented it is also eye opening to what future summers may look like.  There will be time once service is restored to engage the City with our input and suggestions.

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We are currently using the Outdoor Water Use Restrictions outlined in Schedule E of the Water Utility Bylaw which is our only tool to enforce water use reductions.

All citizens and businesses, including car washes have been asked to reduce their indoor water use but these actions are voluntary.

As you have referenced "Watering plants, shrubs and trees for commercial sale" is an activity that is allowed during Stage 4 restrictions. However, the adjacent column indicates that this applies to "Nurseries, garden centers, turf tree farms and market gardens and community gardens". Therefore, this is to be interpreted as trees/plants which are not yet planted in their final location can be watered with potable water provided by Calgary Water Services. If a tree/plants have been installed in its new home, it is considered sold. A financial transaction need not have taken place.

Further, Schedule E indicates that "Watering of New Grass Plantings (sod or seed) with reasonable evidence of recent installation: sod within 21 days seed within 45 days" is allowed in Stages 1-3, but NOT during Stage 4. This is due to the severity of any situation leading to Stage 4 restrictions.

All contractors requiring water to continue doing their jobs (eg. watering newly installed plants/trees) have been asked to source water outside of Calgary's water service area. Bulk stations in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere and Strathmore receive Calgary's potable supply and SHOULD NOT be used. All other bulk stations in the region can be used to fill trucks.

Non-potable water is another option for irrigating newly installed plants.
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We hope this helps clarify the situation and provides some information in your communication with staff and customers.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Found in Vancouver

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB - Agrilus planipennis) in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia. These detections, which are outside of currently regulated areas for emerald ash borer in Canada, are the first detections of EAB larvae in BC.

Emerald ash borer is a highly destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees (Fraxinus sp.). It is a federally regulated pest in Canada. EAB is currently found in parts of six provinces and is spreading to new areas via the movement of firewood and ash material (such as logs, branches and wood chips). This pest poses no threat to human health.

The CFIA has put movement restrictions in place to protect Canada's landscape and economy by preventing the spread of emerald ash borer to non-infested areas of Canada. Effective April 2024, the movement of all ash material such as logs, branches, and woodchips, and all species of firewood from the affected sites, is restricted. The property owners in the affected area have been notified of these restrictions.

Infested ash trees in North America generally die after two to three years, but heavily infested trees have been observed to die after only one year of beetle attack. In Alberta the number of ash trees growing in municipalities can often reach as high as 40%!

EAB is not listed under the Agricultural Pests Act (APA) making it difficult to prevent and control EAB in Alberta. Having a pest named on the act empowers urban and rural municipalities to enforce control measures under the authority of the APA.  Landscape Alberta along with other stakeholders like STOPDED, ISA Prairie Chapter, Alberta Parks & Recreation Association (APRA) and others will be asking for immediate action from the Provincial government to help protect the nursery industry and Alberta’s urban forests.

Federal Carbon Tax Rebate for Small Businesses

Budget 2024 launches the new Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses
This new refundable tax credit will urgently return proceeds from the price on pollution from 2019-20 through 2023-24 to an estimated 600,000 businesses, with 499 or fewer employees, in provinces where the federal backstop applies. This would deliver over $2.5 billion directly to these small- and medium-sized businesses. The only requirement to receive the automatic, ongoing direct payments is for eligible business to file their taxes. To be eligible for the 2019-20 to 2023-24 payments, the deadline to file a tax return is July 15, 2024.
 https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2024/04/budget-2024-growing-canadas-small-businesses.html

2023 Landscape Award Winners Announced

On April 4, we celebrated the winners of the 2023 Landscape Alberta Landscape Awards in Calgary. Each year, we see beautiful, well-designed landscapes that truly showcase the best this industry has to offer. This year we had 32 entries with 12 winners in the Merit category and 6 winners in the Excellence category.

We congratulate 2023 winners: Alpha Better Landscaping Inc., Delta Valley Landscaping Services Ltd.

Jenron Creative Landscapes, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., MaisonScapes, OnGrowing Works Ltd., Blue Isle Contracting, Planta Landscape Inc., Your Space by Design Inc., Salisbury Landscaping, Seven M Construction Ltd., and Bradbosh Landscaping.

We would like to thank this year’s volunteer judges for taking their assignment seriously and giving so generously of their time and expertise: Jeff Wilson, Mark Janzen, Jeff Campbell, Steve Kletke, John van Roessel, Raymond Vincent, Steve Birch, Tyler Grant and Maria Galdon.

We would also like to congratulate those who have been nominated for the 2024 National Awards of Landscape Excellence through the CNLA: Planta Landscape Inc., Your Space by Design Inc., Seven M Construction Ltd and Ongrowing Works Ltd. Best of luck to this year’s nominees!

Follow us on Instagram for photos of the award-winning projects over the coming weeks.

The 2024 Awards Package is now available for download. Once again, all active members of Landscape Alberta get their first entry for free! If you have any questions on the awards program, contact Kyla at kyla.hardon@landscape-alberta.com.

TFWP – Wage Updates

Wage data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey is used to inform the administration of the TFW Program. Each year, the data on provincial and territorial median wages is used to determine whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application falls under the Low-Wage or High-Wage Stream. Employers must submit their application under the stream for low-wage positions if they offer a wage that is below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage for the position requested in the LMIA. Alternatively they should submit their application under the stream for high-wage positions if the wage offered is at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.  

As a reminder, each TFW Program stream holds specific requirements and responsibilities for employers, such as recruitment efforts, working conditions, employment duration, provision of housing and transportation, and worker protections. These requirements are designed to recognize the labour market impacts of hiring temporary foreign workers in certain occupations and industries.  

The updated median hourly wages by province and territory for 2024 are now available online and are effective as of today, April 2, 2024. On or after this date, employers must ensure that they submit their LMIA application under the appropriate stream, using the updated median hourly wage, and also ensure that they comply with the requirements specific to the applicable Program stream. It is important to note that the LMIA Online Portal will be updated automatically as of April 2, 2024.  

You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or partners who may need to be aware of this information.  

If you have questions about the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or communicate with the Employer Contact Centre. 

Wage Survey 2024 – Input Wanted!

ATTENTION! All Active Landscape Alberta Members!

The 2024 landscape horticulture industry wage survey is out, and your participation is crucial. Thanks to our streamlined process, it's now easier than ever to complete.

We need your help. The CNLA (Canadian Nursery Landscape Association) is taking on a vital initiative to collect comprehensive data on wages across all horticulture sectors in every region of the country.  Participation is easy and confidential. All data is presented in summary form only, individual responses will not be accessible except for the process of data compilation. Simply complete the survey questionnaire with accurate information reflecting your organization's wage practices. We suggest having your current hourly wage allocations handy, as this will save you time.

Responses will be combined and made confidential to protect your privacy and ensure the accuracy and security of the data.

Participating in this survey guarantees you a FREE summary of the results/trends (valued at $149).  Industry members who do not participate will be required to pay for full access to the final report.

Your input is crucial to shaping industry standards. Let's make a difference together!

Why participate? 🤔

Support for Members (employers): Access to accurate wage data helps employers maintain competitiveness, attract talent, and foster a supportive work environment.  Being able to benchmark your wages and benefits in your area will help ensure the leaders in our industry continue to be recognized as the best places to work.

Inform Decision Making: Your input directly shapes industry standards and benchmarks, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of labour market dynamics and enabling us to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities on behalf of the industry.

Up to date Compensation: Your input helps ensure accurate compensation practices, promoting equitable wages and benefits that reflect the value of skills and contributions across different roles while recognizing the economic realities in your area and sector.

Community Impact: Your participation strengthens the industry's collective voice, advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit employers and support workers.

Together, let's build a robust understanding of wage dynamics in the industry to drive positive change and support the growth and prosperity of our sector.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing the interests of members and their workforce!

For any inquiries or assistance, please contact:
Anne Kadwell, CLHT - Landscape & Retail Sector Specialist
anne@canadanursery.com

Changes to VISA requirements – CORRECTION

CORRECTION - Visa for Mexican Workers

Correction on Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for Mexican citizens

As of 11:30 p.m. ET, on February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens will need to meet new requirements to travel to Canada:

  • You need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA.
  • If you already have an eTA, it will automatically be cancelled, unless you also have a valid work permit or study permit.
  • If you have an eTA application in progress, you will need to apply for a new eTA or for a TRV.
  • Before you travel to Canada, you will need to apply for a new eTA (if eligible).
  • If you’re not eligible for an eTA anymore, you need to apply for a TRV to travel to Canada.

These changes apply even if you already booked your travel. Having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee you will be approved for a new eTA or a TRV. Learn more about the new requirements.

You may be eligible to have your eTA reactivated. To find out if you are eligible

  • send us a web form request
  • complete all required fields
  • include the code “EMVR2024” in the text box

If you are not eligible to have your eTA reactivated, you will need to submit a new eTA application based on the new requirements or a visitor visa application. If you’re not sure if you need an eTA or a visa, answer some questions to find out.

Work Permit - Applying Outside Canada

A work permit is usually required to work in Canada on a temporary basis. If your intention prior to come to Canada is to work in our labour market, then it is important to apply for this document before your arrival to Canada.

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website.

Helpful tips

  • The Instruction Guide and the Document Checklist will provide you with all the information necessary to help you submit a complete application.
  • Depending on your intended occupation and length of employment in Canada, you may be requested to undergo a medical examination.
  • Have your documents ready, as you may be asked to attend an interview or send further information.

Please visit our processing times page to find out how long it may take to process your application.

Application processing times

Our processing times show how long it took us to process most applications in the past for each application type. As we process more applications and clear our inventories, the numbers will change. The numbers shown may not reflect how long it will take us to process an application you submit today.

Since the Check application processing times page is updated regularly, we invite you to consult it often to get the most recent information.

For more information, please visit our website to find out how we calculate processing times.

ESDC Fact Sheet - Mexico Workers English FINAL

March 8 2024 ESDC Employer Stakeholder Session - QAs ENG (003)

March 8 2024 ESDC Worker Session - Deck_EN

#PlantsLoveYou

What can I do to help nurture a cleaner and greener planet?

Plants are your answer!

In today's fast-paced, technology-dependent world with economic and social stresses, it's no wonder people want to find ways to feel good, loved and cared for. We all know that surrounding our homes, living and working spaces with plants makes them more beautiful to spend time in, but did you know that plants have a direct relationship with your health, reducing stress and anxiety?

We've all enjoyed sitting in the cool shade of a tree on a hot, sunny day, but many people don't know about the significant impact plants can have on home energy savings and bank account balances. In an urban setting, it's even more important for the whole community to grow green spaces to offset heat islands in the summer.

You may not realize it, but plants likely played a part in your decision about which community you live in. When you moved, landscaping improvements probably helped you sell your home for more than you would have without them. Plants can influence which stores you shop in and what adventures you take your family on.

With plants providing so many positive influences and benefits to people, it is clear why the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association adopted the "Plants Love You" slogan to present this important story.

Plants show their love in so many ways. Research studies about their health benefits are surprising and fascinating, especially if quality of life is essential to you. The science behind the environmental benefits of plants is compelling in light of the growing effects of climate change. Data showing the economic benefits and social significance of plants on communities will interest homeowners, local policymakers, and decision-makers alike.

If you are a plant novice, don't worry; they love you, and with the help of horticulture professionals in greenhouses, nurseries, garden centres, florist shops, and landscaping companies, you are in good hands!

T4 information return and distribution of T4 slips to workers

Reminder for employers

All employers must file a T4 information return (Summary and Slip) to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and must give workers their T4 slips by the last day of February of the following calendar year to which the information return applies. This year's deadline is Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

For more information, please consult: Guide RC4120, Employers' Guide - Filing the T4 Slip and Summary.

Note that the CRA issues financial penalties to employers for non-compliance with these requirements.

 

Seasonal Agricultural Workers

Depending on certain factors, foreign seasonal agricultural workers may have to pay income tax in Canada. To determine whether employers should withhold income tax from a seasonal agricultural worker's earnings, please refer to the CRA’s Seasonal Agricultural Worker web page.

For temporary foreign workers who meet the CRA's definition of seasonal agricultural workers, employers must enter code "15" in box 29 of T4 slips.

Specific information for workers participating in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) of the TFW Program

Employers who have workers participating in the SAWP stream of the TFW Program must continue to follow the usual guidelines for the distribution of T4 slips to these workers, based on their country of origin.

  • Caribbean countries: Provide the country representative (embassy or consulate liaison officer in Canada) with a T4 slip (and a Relevé 1 slip, when in Québec).
  • Mexico: Provide the worker and, if applicable, the person designated by the worker, with a T4 slip (and a Relevé 1 slip, when in Quebec).

What to do if a worker did not receive any T4 slips

Consult the following CRA web pages:

 You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information.   

If you have questions on T4 slips and taxes, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency.

If you have questions on the Relevé 1 slips and Quebec taxes, please contact: Contact Us | Revenu Québec (revenuquebec.ca).

If you have questions on the TFW Program or to report a misuse of the Program, please visit Canada.ca or contact the Employer Contact Centre.

Thank you in advance for your usual collaboration.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Employment and Social Development Canada

Update – TFWP Recognized Employer Changes

Repeat employers under the REP have been defined as employers who have received a minimum of three positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decisions in the last five years.  

It has come to our attention that the current eligibility criteria may introduce some challenge for an employer to meet eligibility criteria under the pilot when applying a strict consecutive five-year reach-back period, especially if they did not apply for and receive a positive LMIA in 2020 or 2021 when an employer’s hiring plans were affected by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.  

The new flexibility introduces an alternative reach-back period of five non-consecutive years for employers who did not receive a positive decision on an LMIA application in 2020 and/or 2021.  

For example, an employer who received a positive LMIA in 2022 and did not receive a positive LMIA in 2020 and 2021 could now use a positive LMIA decision dating back to 2016 towards his/her five-year reach-back period. In the event that an employer experienced a COVID-19 shutdown in only one calendar year, only one additional reach-back year will be added to the reach-back period offered.  

The alternative reach-back period will be automatically considered when employers apply under the pilot, there is no additional information that employers need to provide to be considered for this flexibility. It is also important to note that the reach-back period for employers can begin in either 2023 or 2022; an employer’s last non-REP positive LMIA will be used to make this determination. No reach-back period will be offered to employers in receipt of a negative LMIA decision in 2020 and/or 2021.  

Employers who regularly access the TFW Program and have no previous history of non-compliance are encouraged to apply.  

You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information.    

If you have questions on the REP, please visit Canada.ca or communicate with the Employer Contact Centre.