June 1, 2017
CNLA News June 2017
New Canadian Nursery Stock Standard released
Originally published in 1967 as a guide to minimum production standards for nursery stock, the Canadian Nursery Stock Standard continues to be one of the industry’s most-referenced documents. The Standard is reviewed regularly to ensure consistency with modern production and marketplace practices. Under the guidance of the Nursery Stock Standard Committee, this Ninth Edition resulted from two years of work involving nursery growers with varied production proficiencies, representing all regions of Canada. The process also included consultation with landscape architects and municipalities.Committee chair Brett Mattson, of Mattson Tree Farms, acknowledged the efforts of all nursery grower participants, and extends thanks to the committee members Bart Brusse of Sheridan Nurseries, Aaron Krahn of Lakeshore Tree Farms and Harold Voogd of Sunstar Nurseries. “We are especially grateful to our committee members and editors Arnold Heuver and Dr. Glen Lumis for their many hours spent to review and incorporate changes and even to contribute to the new and improved format. Their efforts were above and beyond the high standards we have come to expect from our many dedicated volunteers.”
The committee intends the edition to be a living document, allowing for changes and edits to be made as necessary. The Standard will therefore be available as a downloadable PDF document only at www.cnla-acpp.ca/cnss. Also available for download is a list of relevant changes compiled by Dr. Lumis.
In related news, The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and CNLA are proud to announce the latest Canadian Nursery Stock Standard will be included within the Canadian Landscape Standard. Revised editions are available to anyone who has purchased the document since its release in March 2016. The Canadian Nursery Stock Standard replaces Section 12: Container Grown Plants.
New CNLA website launched
The national CNLA trade website has undergone a much-needed update to make it a better resource for members. The website, www.cnla-acpp.ca, is the go-to resource for members looking for information on member savings programs, national events, business resources and more. Designed specifically with members in mind, each member company received an email with directions to set up a login to the “members only” section of the website. This is where you will find information exclusive to members of the provincial horticulture trades associations. If your company did not receive a login, or joined since March 2017, please contact Anne Beifuss at the CNLA office, anne@cnla-acpp.ca, to get set up.Best practices for utility locates
CNLA has partnered with Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA) to encourage use of the Underground Infrastructure Damage Prevention Best Practices document, version 2.0. The Best Practices represent a dynamic statement of the activities the CCGA believes provide optimum levels of diligence towards preventing damage to underground infrastructure. Through the commitment and consensus of its members working together towards a safer Canada, the National Best Practices Committee will be part of an ongoing effort to develop new damage prevention practices as well as improve existing ones. Updated in October 2016, the document is online at www.canadiancga.com.Help for employers
CNLA’s strong alliance with the Commissioner for Employers yields quick action. Recently, members have been dealing with employees who have been denied access to Employment Insurance. The Commission continues to support CNLA strongly, so please bring any issues to Stacey Porter’s attention if you require assistance: Stacey@cnla-acpp.ca.Skills Canada update
The Skills Canada National Competition took place May 31 to June 3 in Winnipeg, Man. During the competition, Skills Canada followed the six teams competing in the Landscape Gardening competition to film a series of videos. This is the first trade to take part in a series of episodes that will provide an inside look at the national competition and what it takes to bring a team through. The goal is to encourage others to picture themselves capable of achieving the same level of accomplishment, and to promote skilled trades to youth. The mini-series will also provide an excellence opportunity to show the world what the landscape profession is all about.See how the teams did at this year’s competition by visiting the CNLA Facebook page: www.facebook.com/canadanursery.
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is the federation of Canada’s provincial horticultural trade associations. Visit www.cnla-acpp.ca for more information.