PROFESSIONAL NEWS
National grant program launched to address horticultural labour shortage
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) recently launched a national employee grant program designed to support the attraction and retention of new employees in the horticulture and landscape industry. Called Digging into our Future, the new program will provide 10 grants of $1,000 each to eligible new entrants working in qualifying horticulture and landscape roles across Canada. The grant is paid directly to the employee in two stages: $500 upon entry into a qualifying position and $500 after four months of continuous employment with the same employer. Digging into our Future is intended to reduce barriers to entry, support employment continuity and help strengthen the horticulture workforce by encouraging new people to build lasting careers in the industry. “Labour remains one of the most pressing issues facing our sector,” said Jeff Foley, HR chair, CNLA. “This program is designed to support new entrants directly by helping reduce barriers at the start of employment and encouraging retention in the months that follow. It is a practical way to help strengthen the workforce over the long term.”
To be eligible, employees must be newly entering the horticulture or landscape industry, be legally eligible to work in Canada, work in a horticulture-related role, work a minimum of 35 hours per week and not be an immediate family member of the employer. Grant payments will be issued only to the eligible employee, subject to program requirements and verification. For more information about Digging into our Future, including employer eligibility and an application form, visit cnla.ca/grants.
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CONFERENCE
Share your expertise at Congress 2027
Do you have insights, strategies or innovations that can elevate the knowledge and skills of landscape contractors, designers and industry professionals? Organizers of the Congress Conference are looking for dynamic speakers to present engaging one-hour, in-person educational sessions at next year’s event, Jan. 12-14, 2027, at the Toronto Congress Centre. The annual three-day conference runs concurrently with the popular Congress trade show that attracts over 12,000 industry pros from across Canada and the U.S. If you want to share your expertise with industry professionals, gain exposure and recognition within the green profession, connect with a passionate and engaged community and inspire others, the Congress Conference is the right fit for you. Submit your proposal by May 29, 2026, at locongress.com/conference/call-for-speakers.
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