LO enews April 22, 2020

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April 22, 2020

		Focus on the Future. Focus on Safety. The Government has appointed a committee of key MPPs charged with opening up the economy in an orderly way, while ensuring the spread of COVID-19 is contained. We are in communication with that committee. We have asked the government to include us in the next Essential Workplaces list scheduled to be released later this week. There are good reasons why we can be. We are an outdoor profession. It is much easier to social-distance outdoors. We are a responsible industry. We are focused on health and safety all above all else. There are many other public health, sanitation, mental health, environmental, therapeutic, economic, aesthetic and other life enhancing benefits we offer. At the end of the day, if we want to be first out of the gate, we need to focus on health and safety and prevention of illness. Employers are advised to take advantage of the many resources that continue to be made available on LO’s Covid-19 Task Force Resource Hub and watch this week’s LO Covid-19 Task Force Town Hall webinar on operating safely to support a healthy and safe return to work for all.
			Peter Guinane Landscape Ontario COVID-19 Task Force Member

Celebrate Earth Day – April 22
As we celebrate the 50th Earth Day, we reflect on the significant impact the landscape and horticulture profession has made, and continues to make, on the environment and our society. Landscape Ontario has put together a webpage with some Earth Day activities for you to share with your families, clients and customers: HortTrades.com/earth-day-2020

LO Crowd Sources PPE Suppliers for Landscape Professionals
Landscape Ontario is compiling a list of personal protective equipment suppliers across the province for landscape and horticulture professionals. LO will share the list on it’s COVID-19 Resource Hub. Do you have PPE suppliers? Please share! Email sbarber@landscapeontario.com

Feds Announce changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program
The Federal government announced flexibilities have been introduced to Canada Summer Jobs Program for 2020. See all the program changes on the government of Canada’s website.

LO’s COVID-19 Resource Hub includes guidance for working safely
LO’s resource centre now includes key health and safety protocols, supplementary resources, and a list of PPE suppliers as guidance to update your health and safety policies and procedures. Be sure to check out the Safe Work Protocols page, the Posters and Signage page and the Business Continuity page for the latest updates.

LO launches Professional Development Online
Landscape Ontario introduces online professional development courses, offered to members free of charge. Lorne Haveruk teaches the ABC’s of Irrigation in two parts, April 22 and 29. Register at HortTrades.com.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter Virtual Shop Talk, April 23
Landscape Ontario’s Georgian Lakelands 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 7:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Implications for Employers Webinar, April 23
Hort Protect, Landscape Ontario’s endorsed insurance provider invites you to a free, engaging webinar. Join Laura Williams on Thursday, April 23, 2020 as she conducts a webinar designed to help organizations understand how to navigate obligations, requirements, risks and strategic options in light of the significant legal and operational implications caused by COVID-19. Register for free.

EIO Solutions webinar series, April 24
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.

LO’s COVID-19 Task Force Weekly Town Hall Webinar, April 28
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. Watch previous Town Halls or listen to the audio. 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.

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.

Root smart healthier trees rooted in science a.m.a.

LO SEMINARS

Professional Development Guide 2019-2020

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

ABC’s of Irrigation, April 22 and 29
Canadian Landscape Standards, May 4
Introduction to Stormwater Management, May 13

UPCOMING LO EVENTS

Georgian Lakelands Chapter Let’s Talk Shop, April 23
COVID-19 Implications for Employers Webinar, April 23
LO’s COVID-19 Task Force Weekly Town Hall Webinar, April 28

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.