We will continue to share links to articles and resources as the situation evolves in Manitoba. If you find more that would be valuable to your fellow MBNLA members please email them to robofficer@mbnla.com. Please use the Member Forum to connect with other landscape professionals and to share your concerns with the MBNLA Board of Directors.
Updates from MBNLA
Update from MBNLA on COVID resources for Greenhouses, Garden Centers, Landscapers – April 17, 2020
Greenhouses and Garden Centers deemed an essential service – April 16, 2020
Garden Centers and Greenhouse update – April 11, 2020
Economic dry spell for greenhouses and nurseries – CTV News Video featuring MBNLA President Guy Dowhy – April 3, 2020
MBNLA Seeks Clarity on Essential Services – Press Release – April 1, 2020
Update from the Province – March 31, 2020
Message from the MBNLA Board – March 31, 2020
Message from the MBNLA President – Manitoba Hardy – March 28, 2020 – By Guy Dowhy
Resources
COVID documents for Greenhouses, Garden centers, and Landscapers
MBNLA COVID Signage (zip file for download)
MBNLA will not be coordinating the ordering of the signs but please use the PDF files we have provided. Should you not have a sign supplier you normally work with please contact Fred Kozak- contact information below- and he may be able to assist.
Fred Kozak www.horticolor.net Cell: (204) 291-2822
Business Development Manager, Western Canada – Gimli, Manitoba
The “government directive” for operational protocols for greenhouses and garden centers PDF
General suggested operating protocols for garden centres and greenhouses provided by MBNLA PDF
General suggested operating protocols for landscapers provided by MBNLA PDF
Letters for Download
Personalized Garden Center Letter – download as Word Doc – April 2, 2020
MBNLA Letter to Ministers re. Essential Garden Centers – PDF – April 2, 2020
Manitoba Information
*Updated April 2, 2020*
How can non-essential businesses operate? Manitoba public health officials clarify? – CBC Manitoba
(specifically mentions garden supply centres)
COVID info update – International Society of Arboriculture Prairie Chapter
Occupied Spaces Resource from the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba
Guidance For Performing Work In Occupied Spaces Amid Covid-19
Manitoba Industry Letter from MBNLA President and Board
COVID-19 Updates from Manitoba Public Health
The latest health updates and resources for Manitobans.
Best Practices for Construction from the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba
Updates, news, information and signage for Manitoba landscape contractors.
Essentials Service Letter from MBNLA
Guidance for Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers Regarding COVID-19
Manitoba news releases:
• Manitoba allows businesses to keep employees laid off longer during COVID-19
• Manitoba launches online counselling to help with anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic
General Information
*Updated May 2, 2020*
Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
Post-secondary students and recent graduates may be eligible for the Canadian Emergency Student Benefit and the Canadian Student Service Grant to help provide financial support in the summer, continue their studies as well as gain experience needed to start their careers.
• Canadian Emergency Student Benefit: $1250/ month for eligible students and $1750/ month for eligible students with disabilities or dependents from May to August.
• Canada Student Service Grant: Up to $5000 may be provided for students’ education costs if they choose to do national service to serve and help their communities.
• Canada Student Loans and Grants: Broaden eligibility for financial assistance, double the Canada Student Grants Program for eligible students, and increase the weekly maximum of the Canada Student Loans Program in 2020-21
For additional information visit: Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
CAREER & JOB SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
- Changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program: Canada Summer Jobs Program
- Job and career opportunities in Landscape Horticulture: Green Careers Canada- Find a Career
CNLA COVID-19 Updates PDF for April 14, 2020
Letter from Ministers to employers – Temporary Foreign Workers – COVID-19 – Government of Canada
Frequently asked questions: Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program regarding COVID-19 – Government of Canada
Best Practices for Sanitation information – Government of Canada – COVID Awareness Resources
Guidance for essential services: employers and employees in Spanish PDF – Government of Canada
Support required for Ornamental Horticulture producers during COVID-19 pandemic
A document to support AIPH members’ discussions with governments when asking for financial assistance
Garden to maintain wellbeing in isolation
AIPH Factsheet to show the scientifically proven health and wellbeing benefits of gardens and gardening
How flowers will keep you well during quarantine
AIPH Factsheet to show the scientifically proven mental health benefits of having flowers in the home during quarantine
COVID-19 Webinar – (How) Will Your Insurance Policies Respond?
Monday, April 6 – 1:00 PM EDT and repeated Monday, April 6 – 3:30 PM EDT, please join Marsh Canada practice leaders for a webcast. Topics include Property & Business Interruption, General Liability, Claims, US Workers’ Compensation, FINPRO, and Employee Health and Benefits. Please visit our recently launched Pandemic Risk Hub for COVID-19 insights and resources.
Support for employers: CRA and COVID-19 – Government of Canada
Temporary Wage subsidy Information FAQs for employers – Government of Canada
Deferral of GST/HST Remittances FAQs – Government of Canada
Support for people facing unemployment
The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
We will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.
Two complimentary Webinars from the Canadian Payroll Association
(On behalf of Mike Thomas and Cooze from the People Corporation)
COVID-19 Prevention Tips from the National Association of Landscape Professionals
Things are moving even faster in the US. News, webinars, and podcasts from below the border.
Essentials Service Letter from the National Association of Landscape Professionals
PLANTS are GOOD for your WELL BEING from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
Implementing safe operating procedures and Best Management Practices.
COVID-19 Resource Hub from Landscape Ontario
Things have been moving faster in Ontario. Our friends at LO have created a valuable site with the latest information.
• Landscape Ontario webinars related to COVID-19
Sample Communications to Clients from Landscape Ontario
Let your customers know how you are adapting to the pandemic and are able to provide services safely.
Layoffs, Salary, EI and More from the Globe & Mail
An article addressing the effect of COVID-19 on employees.
Temporary Foreign Workers Updates from the Government of Canada
Frequently asked questions on the implications of travel restrictions.
Resources for Businesses from the Government of Canada
Information for small and medium-sized businesses.
Reactions of an “Essential Business” from Landscape Management
How landscaping companies are handling COVID-19 concerns.
International Society of Arboriculture Newsroom
FAQs, updates, and why tree care is an essential service.
Association of Horticultural Producers Floriculture Datasheet during the COVID pandemic
