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Author: Kyla Hardon

Update: International Travel Requirements

Update: International Travel Requirements

The Government of Canada has released an update around travel for Temporary Foreign Workers.

Quarantine Requirements upon arrival:

  • Unvaccinated workers are required to quarantine for 14 days beginning on the day of entry into Canada. The QIO imposes certain specific requirements when it comes to conditions for the place of quarantine, including that the worker needs to have access to a bedroom at the place of quarantine that is separate from the one used by persons who did not travel and enter Canada with that person and access to the necessities of life without leaving that place (Orders In Council – Search canada.ca Part 3 Section 2: Quarantine Requirements – Conditions).
  • Employers must provide a suitable place for quarantine for unvaccinated workers.
  • If, during the 14 days from their entry into Canada, an unvaccinated worker develops signs and symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 on the molecular test that they are required to undergo in accordance with the Quarantine Order, they must isolate for a 10-day period which begins on the date of symptom onset, or the date the test sample was collected (as validated by the test provider) or the date of the test result (if there is no validation of the test collection date). The confirmed or suspected positive COVID-19 case must be reported to PHAC and the employer needs to provide a suitable place for isolation.
  • The QIO imposes certain specific requirements when it comes to conditions for the place of isolation, including that the worker needs to have access to a separate bedroom and bathroom as well as access to the necessities of life without leaving that place.

o   Requirements for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers, including TFWs: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html

  • Vaccinated workers are not required to quarantine for 14 days upon their entry into Canada. However, during the initial 14-day period from their entry into the country, should the worker develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 they must isolate for a period of 10 days beginning on the date of symptom onset, or the date the test sample was collected (as validated by the test provider) or the date of the test result (if there is no validation of the test collection date). The confirmed or suspected positive COVID-19 case need to be reported to PHAC.

Please note that there is also a requirement for TFWs, whether vaccinated or not, to quarantine for 14 days if, during the initial 14 days from their entry into Canada, they have been exposed to a person, that they travelled with to Canada, who shows signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or receives a positive COVID-19 test.

 

Isolation Requirements in the post arrival period and beyond:
After the initial federally required 14-day quarantine period, the initial 14-day period from entry into Canada or other federally applicable isolation period, any worker with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection is required to isolate according to instructions from provincial/territorial or local public health authorities. Illustrative examples are below:

  • If a worker develops signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or receives a positive COVID-19 test result during the federally required 14-day quarantine period or the initial 14-day period after their entry, the QIO requires that they isolate for 10 days in a suitable place of isolation or accommodation.
  • In addition, the period of isolation may be extended for a new 10 day isolation period if the person tests positive for COVID-19 while in isolation and they were initially isolating for a reason other than having received a positive COVID-19 test.
  • If a worker becomes sick after the initial 14-day quarantine or other federally applicable period, they are required to isolate for the duration stipulated by local or provincial/territorial public health authorities. IRPR require that employers provide a suitable isolation accommodation, including a separate bedroom and bathroom that are solely for the use of the isolating TFW.

For detailed information regarding provincial/territorial or local quarantine and isolation requirements, please consult your provincial/territorial public health authority website.

 

Employer Accommodation Requirements Regarding Isolation of TFWs

At any time during the initial 14 days in Canada, should a worker show signs and symptoms of COVID-19, have reasonable grounds to suspect they have COVID-19, or receive a positive test result, employers must immediately isolate the confirmed or suspected COVID-19 positive TFW for a period of 10 days, even if the province or territory in which they operate has a shorter isolation period. Workers must, as per Part 5 of the QIO, follow the set of the requirements and conditions for a suitable place of isolation, including a requirement to have a separate bedroom and bathroom while in isolation.

Employers are guided by IRPR (section 209.3(1)(a)(xi)) which outlines accommodations  requirements for those who provide accommodations to workers during their entire employment period. Employers must provide suitable accommodations for TFWs who develops any signs or symptoms of Covid-19, including a separate bedroom and bathroom.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program will continue to work with employers in ensuring that you remain informed of any forthcoming changes to public health requirements. Moreover, you are encouraged to visit Travel.gc.ca for regular updates

Year of the Garden 2022

Celebrating the Year of the Garden

You’re invited to join in the fun and “Live the Garden Life” during the Year of the Garden 2022, a celebration of everything garden and gardening related in Canada.

The Year of the Garden officially starts the first day of spring, and all Canadians – whether you already enjoy gardening, recently discovered the pleasure of spending time in a garden because of the pandemic, or want to learn more about how gardens impact so much of life – are invited to take part. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, celebrate our country’s rich garden heritage, and help grow important legacies for a sustainable future.

Supported by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, The Canadian Garden Council, through its Year of the Garden 2022 initiative aims to inspire and inform Canadians about the many health and well-being, economic, and environmental benefits gardens and gardening provide, and along the way provide tips and tricks for gardening success and the enjoyment of gardens.

The Year of the Garden 2022 offers many opportunities to “Live the Garden Life” and get involved, enjoy garden experiences, and get inspired in the garden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaqV_xapIYg

Parliament recognized 2022 the Year of the Garden in Canada with a motion of unanimous consent

The house recognize the 2022 Year of the Garden as it marks the centennial of Canada’s ornamental horticulture sector on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.

Gardens and gardening contribute to the development of our country, our cities and the lives of people in terms of health, quality of life, reconciliation, inclusion and environmental challenges.

The Year of the Garden will engage gardeners, families, students, and tourists with: our garden culture and history, the importance of public and private gardens and our urban landscapes.


Media Release: Canada is the First Country to Celebrate Year of the Garden

Yearofthegarden.ca

 

     

Canadian Gardening Stats:

Nearly eight in ten Canadians show some interest in living in a garden friendly city – supporting our Municipal proclamation and Garden-Friendly City program

For a second year in in a row, 22% of Canadian have spent more time in their garden.

Seven in ten Canadians expect to spend about the same amount of time gardening in 2022 compared to the amount they spent in 2021.

66% of Canadians are likely to visit gardens when they travel.

Nearly all Canadians, 95%, want to live a healthy and environmentally friendly life…supporting our invitation to Canadians to ‘Live the Garden Life’ a healthy and environmentally friendly life.

96 % of Canadians realize that gardening can improve their mental and physical health

84% of Canadians believe that gardening can have positive impact on climate change.

Meeting in the Mountains Cancelled

With regret we have chosen to cancel Meeting in the Mountains due to the circumstance related to the ongoing pandemic. The ability for our planned speakers to travel was in definite question, along with recent changes to gathering restrictions and the lack of PRC testing for attendees made it difficult to have confidence in a live event at the end of March.

We have worked with the Banff Centre to postpone our event booking until March 2023 when we can best deliver the leadership retreat and awards event possible. We are working on plans for alternate delivery of some of the event content this year and will announce plans as the formalize.

The staff and board of Landscape Alberta are truly disappointed to postpone another live event, but want to make the best decision for all of our stakeholders.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The 2021 Green Industry Conference is Going Virtual!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 27/09/2021

Joel Beatson
Green Industry Show & Conference
780-489-1991
joel@landscape-alberta.com

THE 2021 GREEN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE IS GOING VIRTUAL!

Edmonton, AB – The Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) will be proceeding as a virtual event, November 18-19, 2021, to ensure the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff. The recent changes to COVID-19 protocols by the Government of Alberta has created a pathway to live events that was unlikely to be effective for our tradeshow and conference.

The Landscape Alberta Board of Directors deliberated over many possible options to make GISC happen live this year. In the end the consensus was to move the conference to virtual in order to best provide value to industry by offering targeted education to the Prairie horticultural industry.

GISC 2021 will features 14 hours of virtual conference sessions, including the inspiring keynote sessions: MARKETING IS ABOUT BELONGING:  THE UNSEXY TRUTH THAT WILL GROW YOUR BUSINESS with Alyssa ‘Twist’ Light and EMPOWERING LEADERS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES with Robert Murray.

There will not be a virtual trade show component to this year’s event and all exhibitors will have their booth fees fully refunded.   Our generous sponsors and advertisers will be offered revised opportunities or refunds as appropriate to their needs.

“It became clear that holding a live event this fall would not offer an optimal experience for our exhibitors and attendees – we pride ourselves on decades of success with this annual event and that continues as we plan for a live event next year.  The current trends of COVID cases in Alberta and the likelihood of further changes to public health regulations made planning for a live event in November nearly impossible.” says Joel Beatson, CEO of Landscape Alberta, host organization for GISC.  “Moving to a virtual conference this year allows us to best serve the industry and we look forward to returning to a live event with GISC  2022” he went on to say.

We have a great line-up of presenters online this year so don’t miss out! The entire conference program and registration portal can be accessed at www.greenindustryshow.com.

COVID-19 UPDATE – September 16, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATE – September 16, 2021

The Government of Alberta announced a slate of new public health measures last night to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
The following measures are most relevant to the horticulture industry.

Mandatory measure – Effective Sept. 16

  • Mandatory work-from-home measures are in place unless the employer has determined a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness. (All but some office staff would require physical presence in our industry)
    If employees are working on location, they must mask in all indoor settings, except while alone in workstations.

Mandatory restriction – Effective Sept. 4 and 16

  • Masking and physical distancing are mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces. This measure extends to places of worship as of September 16.
    Employees must mask in all indoor work settings, except while alone in work stations.

The Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) begins September 20th. It will require businesses or private events open to the public to either implement REP or reduce capacity to 1/3 of the fire code.

Businesses that implement the Restrictions Exemption Program can operate as usual if they only serve people (ages 12 and over) who have:

  • proof of vaccination
    • single dose accepted between September 20 and October 25 if received 2 weeks before time of service
    • double doses required after October 25
  • documentation of a medical exemption
    proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)

Businesses do not need to apply for the program. Audits and enforcement will occur to ensure rules are followed.
The Restriction Exemption Program would not apply to:

  • businesses or entities that need to be accessed for daily living
  • employees of businesses participating in the program
  • children under 12

For the Green Industry Show & Conference, November 18-19, 2021 at Westerner Park in Red Deer, we are still awaiting confirmation of how what path the venues will choose and then we can make the appropriate decisions about the event accordingly.

Stay safe!

GOA Announcement

THE GREEN INDUSTRY SHOW & CONFERENCE WILL BE LIVE IN RED DEER IN 2021!

THE GREEN INDUSTRY SHOW & CONFERENCE WILL BE LIVE IN RED DEER IN 2021! 

Edmonton, AB – The Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) will be proceeding as a live event, November 18-19, 2021, and for the first time it will be hosted at Westerner Park in Red Deer, AB. After a successful virtual event in 2020, what people want is GISC live and in person.

The central location for the event allows GISC to continue as the hub for the green industry on the Prairies. GISC will continue to offer an industry leading trade show along with top-notch education. This year’s event theme is “Let’s Get Together!”; not only in reference to the return to a live event but also the focus on the social aspect that everyone missed.

GISC will be more accessible to more people across Alberta with easier travel from north or south. Combined with ample free parking and multi-day or single day passes, the move will work to make GISC even better for all.

“A central location has long been sought for GISC, a venue however was elusive.  Coming out of the pandemic and looking for ways to bring everyone safely together again, now was the time to make it happen.  This is an exciting evolution of Western Canada’s largest trade show and conference, we are excited that the new venue will bring more people together. Together to learn, connect and grow.” says Joel Beatson, CEO of Landscape Alberta, host organization for GISC.

For 2021, GISC will include a 37,000 ft2 trade show, 10 hours of live education over two days, pre-show tours, the Growers Auction/Dinner, Tailgate Party, and AGGA Garden Party. Details will be released as they come available. All information and registration can be accessed at www.greenindustryshow.com.

For all enquiries:
Joel Beatson
Green Industry Show & Conference
780-489-1991
joel@landscape-alberta.com

Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary Breaks Ground!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2021

Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary breaks ground today!

The first step in the construction of the Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary (HUGS) was taken. Over three years ago the community of Humboldt was forever changed by the tragedy involving the Broncos hockey team.

Landscape Saskatchewan, Landscape Alberta, and Communities in Bloom with support from Scotts Canada approached the City of Humboldt about building a garden to honour the victims and families. After setting the site as the Humboldt District Health Complex and creating a design brief, the steering group worked with Olds College students to hold a design event. The concept of Joy Newsham was selected and featured a variety of spaces and uses that would provide a garden that was equal part memorial and healing space.

The design was updated and turned into complete working drawings by Christyn Palazzo of Palazzo Designs in Regina. With an original build date of summer 2020 delayed due to the pandemic, the team is excited to get started on this impressive project. The garden will include accessible pathways throughout to enjoy the variety of trees, shrubs and flowers planted across the garden space. Several seating areas will allow for either gathering of friends and family or quiet reflection, the feature area will also include a custom art sculpture by local artist Murray Cook.

Construction is set to be complete by September 2021 culminating in an official opening to be determined based on weather and public health guidance.

Leslie Cornell, Past-President of Landscape Saskatchewan and Owner of Cornell Design & Landscaping in Moose Jaw says “we are extremely proud to be able to give back with this project, the tragedy in Humboldt impacted so many and we are thankful to help by creating a space of remembrance and healing for everyone touched by the tragedy”.

Yvonne Berscheid, Site Leader of Humboldt District Hospital “On behalf of Saskatchewan Health Authority, the patients, families and staff of Humboldt District Hospital, thank you to all those who had a hand in planning this garden, and all those who will help see it come to life. It is our hope that in some small way, this garden will help those who visit it find peace and healing. A place of reflection for many in our tight knit Humboldt community.”

John Zaplatynsky, Chair of the Green Cities Foundation says “We hope that by building projects like this across Canada, we will help educate the public and our politicians on the value of green spaces and the impacts to the community that they can provide – improving the mental health of the residents, helping to mitigate climate change by cooling our cities, and providing a safe and calming space to visit.”

“We hope that this garden will be a place for the community to gather, rest, rejuvenate, remember and enjoy, and that this space will inspire others to create and experience the restorative powers of green spaces.” Paul Brydges, Chair, Communities in Bloom.

“Barkman Concrete is honoured to support the Humbolt Broncos Healing Garden Project. May this garden help commemorate the lives lost. And may it truly be a place for all those affected, to continue their healing.” Alan Barkman, Chief Executive Officer.

 “The Healing Urban Garden Sanctuary reflects the value that Scotts Canada places on supporting our communities. We offer this garden to the Humboldt community as a means of healing their sorrows,” says Karen Stephenson, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Stakeholder Relations.

Project partners include Landscape Saskatchewan, Landscape Alberta, Communities in Bloom, Green Cities Foundation and Scotts Canada.

Garden donors include Burnco Landscape Centre, Expocrete an Oldcastle company, the City of Humboldt, Brandt, Barkman concrete, Palazzo Landscape Design, Manderley, Lakeshore Tree Farms, Snap Edge, Techniseal, Techo-Bloc, Cornell Design & Landscaping, Great North Hardscapes, Dutch Growers, in-lite Design Corporation, Red Deer Soils Ltd., and the Grazing Design for the logo creation.

The Green Cities Foundation will be collecting public donations towards the project – donations can be made online via www.gcfoundation.ca.

Carol Brons, mother of Dayna Brons, speaks at event

Foreground: Leslie and Ron Cornell planting first tree, Background: Michael Behiel, Mayor of Humboldt, Shelia and Roger Nordick, Committee members, volunteers with Communities in Bloom, and Murray Cook, artist.

L to R: Yvonne Berscheid, Humboldt District Hospital, Carol Brons, mother of Dayna Brons, Leslie Cornell, Landscape Saskatchewan and Cornell Design & Landscaping, Michael Behiel, Mayor of Humboldt, Shelia Nordick, Communities in Bloom volunteer, Roger Nordick, Town councillor and Communities in Bloom volunteer, Murray Cook, artist.

Media inquires:

Joel Beatson Executive Director
Landscape Saskatchewan
587-986-8466 or joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com

Alberta Jobs Now Program Announced

The Alberta government has announced a $370 million fund to help business revcover from the pandemic.

The Alberta Jobs Now Program provides funding for eligible employers to subsidize wages, fund training or a combination of both, for new hires. If your organization is eligible, the Alberta Jobs Now Program offers a wage subsidy or training subsidy of 25%, up to $25,000 for each employee, for up to 20 full time new hires.

Applications are being accepted now. The application deadline for the first Alberta Jobs Now Program intake is August 31, 2021. All Alberta Jobs Now Program applications must be submitted via the Alberta Jobs Now Program Portal. This online application is an easy and efficient way for employers to apply to Alberta Jobs Now Program.
For details, check the application guidelines and access the Alberta Jobs Now Program Portal at alberta.ca/jobsnow.

Landscape Alberta Member Overview

  • Notes for members about eligibility and process that will help assess if they will be able to take advantage of this program;
  • New or vacant full time and permanent position in Alberta (defined as a minimum of an average of 30 hours per week). Contract or fixed term positions are ineligible,
  • Be hiring for new or vacant full-time positions for at least 52 weeks,
  • New hires must be hired on or after program launch date,
  • The start date for new hires can be no longer than 120 days from the application approval,
  • Resident of and will be working in Alberta during the grant period.

Take note of some of the regulations that would be ineligible for the program;

  • Individuals who leave their current full-time position to move to another full-time job,
  • Immediate family of the company owner or director/board member Immediate family of the company owner or director/board member,
  • Current and previous employees who have worked for the employer in the past 90 days,
  • Temporary Foreign Workers, or anyone temporarily working in Canada,
  • An employer cannot receive Alberta Jobs Now Program funding for any employee who is also receiving a wage subsidy from other government sources for the same position at the same time (e.g. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy).

Support for Albertans

Update May 6, 2021

COVID-19 Support for Albertans - https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx

Work Sharing
This Federal program allows for employees to remain working during times where there is a reduction in normal levels of business activity.  Employees wages are supplemented by EI payments.  This has been expanded to 76 weeks due to COVID-19 related issues.  Please note this does not apply to seasonal staff and must be by mutual agreement between employer and employees.

Full details here – https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

 

Updated link for Health Posters for workplaces – https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-information-posters.aspx

ALL NEW - AB Non-healthcare Workplace Guidance During COVID-19 - https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-non-healthcare-workplace-guidance.pdf

OHS Materials for AB Employers - https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/covid-19

AgSafe Alberta has templates for farms during COVID-19 - https://www.agsafeab.ca/Resources.aspx?pg=covid19#covid-19

Landscape Horticulture Certification Program

GET CERTIFIED. GET HIRED.

The new Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s national Landscape Horticulture Certification Program is operated in collaboration with provincial nursery and landscape associations. This new and improved certification program is structured to maintain high certification standards and streamlined to be more convenient and accessible.

  • 100% Canadian owned and operated
  • Aligned with Red Seal Occupational Standards
  • Emphasizes safety and safe practices
  • Technician hands-on practical tests delivered through VALID-8, a world-class web-based solutionWritten tests delivered through Mettl, an online examination system with live proctoring features
  • Option to transition previously earned designations

For more information on the LHCP visit: https://cnlagetcertified.ca/