COVID-19 - Resources
Next steps: How are you preparing your company to work safely? Tell your MPP!
 
Today, Premier Doug Ford introduced a Framework for Reopening the Province. After many hints that we would be one of the first sectors allowed to open, we were disappointed that our sector was not explicitly named. However, we still remain positive.  
 
What was announced today was the framework. Public health and workplace safety will remain the top priority. As a next step, we were told we should consult with our local MPP and provide information on how we as individual businesses can operate safely.   
 
Our suggestion is that you follow the Premier’s advice. Please call or write your local MPP. Please be positive. Please be constructive. Please be specific. What are you doing as a company to keep your employees, clients and the public safe? What are your policies and procedures? Your representatives need to understand your story. 
  • Introduce your business. State how many people you employ, how long have you been in business, where are you located, etc.
  • Explain how you will mitigate risk in line with the government’s objectives to protect against the spread of Covid-19.
  • Discuss the benefits of gardening and outdoor spaces. These include the mental health aspects of gardening, benefits to the environment, the fact that food products can come from gardens and the need for outdoor spaces we can enjoy safely.
  • Outline your business’s problem. It is important that the government knows how critical this season is for your business and your industry.
  • Where it is substantial, describe the revenue you make in the spring. For example, 75%, or $X.
  • Ask your local MPP how he or she thinks they would be able to help.   
You can find many resources to help you on the Landscape Ontario website. In the Safety Protocols section, you can find specific protocols created for the contractor and garden centre sectors.
 
LO’s Town Hall Webinar tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. will focus on maintaining a positive public image.  Jason Bouwman from Compass Creative will talk about  “Generating Employee, Client and Public Trust.”  Register here.
 
Friday’s webinar from HR specialist EIO Solutions will help you implement safety policies and procedures. Register here.
 
Until all sectors of our profession are allowed to open, we want to reiterate the following information. The Ontario Government issued an Essential Workplaces List on April 3. This list provides the ultimate authority on who can work. It is up to individual companies to make their own interpretation on whether they fit in sections 1, 20, 24, 26 and 30.   
  1. Growers are allowed to operate
  2. Garden Centres associated with growing operations are also allowed to operate under certain safety protocols 
  3. Garden Centres associated with Food and Hardware stores are allowed to operate under certain safety protocols 
  4. Maintenance companies are allowed to perform certain functions strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings. 
  5. Many municipalities have come out in writing or on their websites saying that they have consulted with provincial authorities and certain specific and identified maintenance operations are allowed. Other municipalities differ in their interpretations. This is why it is important to make your own interpretation while checking with local enforcement. The priority however, if you are working, is to work safely.
The Premier said today “Hang in there.” This spring has certainly been very difficult, but we choose to plant hope.  

 

 
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