Landscape Ontario weekly E-news for April 15, 2020 Email not displaying properly? Click to view in your web browser

 

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April 15, 2020

 

Tony DiGiovanni   We are Better Together

The Government has launched a new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee. The focus will be on getting businesses up and running after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. We want to be one of the first sectors explicitly allowed. In order for this to happen, we need to convince the committee that we can operate safely and responsibly  while protecting our employees, clients and the public. This is the first priority. The second priority is to explain why our work is important in improving the quality of life of our customers and the public.   

 
We are fortunate that most of our work is outdoors where social distancing is easier. As an association we are very active in government relations activity. However, we will be much more effective if all of us participate in a unified campaign. Some of you have asked Landscape Ontario to provide templates. We were told by our Government Relations firm that form letters receive form replies. It is far better to reach out to your MPP in a respectful, sincere, authentic and passionate manner.   
 
It is painful to watch the division and conflict playing out on social media. I respectfully ask you to channel that energy and help us get our common messages across. There is a role for each of you to play. We need you active now. Reach out to your local MPP. Explain why you can operate your business safely. Talk about your safety procedures. Your family, employees, clients and the general public need to know you can operate safely. After the safety message, talk about the benefits you provide to your clients and the public and the consequences resulting from not being able to work.  
 
We are better together.  

 

Tony Tony DiGiovanni
Executive Director, Landscape Ontario

  

In Memoriam — Ray Piester

Ray Peister passed away on April 7. He was 91. Few can reflect on Ray Peister without visualizing his constant smile and recalling his gentle nature. Joining McLean-Peister Ltd. in February 1961, he was a dedicated and trustworthy member of brother Glenn’s landscape construction business, rising to the position of Vice-President of Sales, until his retirement in 1994. Full details.

LO launches Professional Development Online

Landscape Ontario introduces online professional development courses, offered to members free of charge. The program kicks off April 16 at 1 p.m. with Basic Tree Maintenance led by Jeff McMann. Next, Lorne Haveruk teaches the ABC’s of Irrigation in two parts, April 22 and 29. Register online at HortTrades.com.

Visit LO’s COVID-19 Resource Hub

LO’s resource centre has a special section for employees: https://horttrades.com/for-employees-covid-19. Please distribute this link to help provide answers on provincial and federal resources, as well as staying healthy.

Toronto Chapter Virtual Talk Shop, Apr. 15

Landscape Ontario’s Toronto Chapter is pleased to host the next instalment of the Shop Talk Sessions online. Just because we’re social distancing doesn’t meet we can’t still talk. No agenda, no guest speakers, just your chance to get together with fellow business owners to talk shop. Join the conversation at 6:00 p.m.

Inspire the workforce of tomorrow

This spring, Build A Dream will be hosting a digital Career Discovery expo that will highlight women and their careers. There is an opportunity for women in the landscape and horticulture profession to share their career pathway to inspire other young women to consider a career in the Landscape Horticulture Profession. Details online.

LO’s COVID-19 Task Force Weekly Town Hall Webinar, April 21

Landscape Ontario’s COVID-19 Task Force hosts a weekly Town Hall webinar to share the latest news and answer your questions. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. 
Register for free online.

For green profession employers

LO’s resource centre has a special section for employers: https://horttrades.com/for-employers-covid-19. Please distribute this link to help provide answers on provincial and federal resources, as well as staying healthy.


EIO Solutions webinar series, April 17

This is live and interactive webinar series hosted by EIO Solutions is for Landscape Ontario members to get relevant information during the COVID-19 crisis. Stay informed with help from Legal, Ministry of Labour, and EIO HR experts. Register for free online.

Take the Come Alive Outside #5x5Challenge

Come Alive Outside with the help of Landscape Ontario is providing free nature-focused programming to help children and adults continue to spend time outdoors while social distancing during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The “5×5 Challenge” encourages participants to engage in 5 healthy outdoor activities a week for 5 straight weeks and share pictures of their adventures along the way.  

Connect with members of your sector online

A number of Landscape Ontario sector groups have set up private, online Facebook discussion boards that allow members to connect in order to ask questions, share ideas and be social online. Join the discussions online being held by Landscape Contractors, Growers, and Garden Centres.

Submit feedback to the province on essential workplace designation

Please submit your feedback to a government website asking for comments on essential workplaces. You will be asked to describe your business and why it’s essential, and also detail the safety measures you plan to implement. Each field limits responses to 200 words, so tomorrow’s update will include some suggestions for our specific sectors. Please be sure to copy and save your submissions, and forward any government responses to LO Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni.
 

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 LO SEMINARS  

 

Professional Development Guide 2019-2020 Online Professional Development seminars
Landscape Ontario introduces Online Professional Development Seminars, free of charge for LO Members.

 

 

 

Basic Tree Maintenance, April 16
ABC’s of Irrigation, April 22, 29
 

 

 UPCOMING LO EVENTS  
Toronto Chapter Let’s Talk Shop, April 15
LO’s COVID-19 Task Force Weekly Town Hall Webinar, April 21

Visit the Events page at HortTrades.com

 

 

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Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association
7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada
1-800-265-5656
rob@landscapeontario.com
HortTrades.com

With more than 2,500 professional members, Landscape Ontario is the province’s premier horticultural trades association. Our mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario.

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