Background 

Since 1993, Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador (LNL) has been the province-wide professional association representing all sectors of the Landscape and Horticultural Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In an effort to promote professionalism in the industry, and as a result of an application made by LNL to Human Resources and Development Canada (HRDC) to set up an Industrial Adjustment Service Committee (IASC), the Newfoundland and Labrador Landscape/Horticultural IASC became active in February 2001.

IASC Committee

The main committee of the IASC has 25 members, representing all sectors of the Industry, with Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government resource persons as well. (see IASC Member List). The main committee has met 7 times since February 2001, with a break in June and July to accommodate the busy schedules of owner /operators. The Committee has identified a number of key issues related to the Industry and is pursuing a program of activities through 5 subcommittees.

Key Issues

Key issues identified by the IASC to date include:

1. improving the level of professionalism and service delivery within the industry
   
2. improving the level of skills within the industry, including both business owners and employees
   
3. enhancing public awareness about the industry among consumers and all levels of government
   
4. enhancing public awareness and public education about best practices, products and services available from within the industry 
   
5. providing information to all levels of government and the general public about the implications of chemical and pesticide applications within the environment and lobbying for reduction of the use of these substances and as well as better practices within the industry. 

In order to pursue these issues and identify development strategies, five subcommittees have been formed as follows:

1) Landscape Standards
2) Human Resources and Training
3) Research & Education for Healthy Landscapes
4) Marketing & Promotion
5) Government Liaison

Subcommittee Activities to Date

The Landscape Standards subcommittee has identified the need for a set of standards for the industry in this province and has adopted as a primary objective the development and publication of a Landscape Standards Manual for the Landscape/Horticultural Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Various resource materials have been reviewed including a manual prepared by the British Columbia Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) and the National Master Specifications.

A second need identified by the subcommittee involves safety standards and best safety practices within the industry. In order to improve safety in the workplace the subcommittee has identified the need for a Safety Manual for all sectors of the industry within this province. To date the subcommittee has reviewed the Ontario Landscape Trades Association Safety Manual and consulted with a number of safety orientated organizations. Both the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association have indicated an early interest in supporting this initiative.

The Human Resources and Training subcommittee has held two round table discussions with representation from the industry, government and training institutions. In order to provide for province-wide participation, the first round table was held in St. John's and the second one in Corner Brook. Both events were facilitated by an independent facilitator and were well attended. A variety of human resources development issues and training needs within the industry were identified for future follow-up by the subcommittee.

A primary objective of the Research & Education for Healthy Landscape subcommittee is to inform and educate the general public, public officials and all levels of government about the importance of developing and maintaining healthy landscapes. The subcommittee is currently reviewing options for identifying and promoting best practices, including identifying past and current examples of healthy landscapes, including natural landscapes across the province. The subcommittee is also the IASC's main instrument for receiving information concerning initiatives across the country and region on Integrated Pest Management and supporting the Government Liason subcommittee on establishing communications and collaboration on reducing pesticides in the environment. The subcommittee will also liaise with and support LNL in the installation and development of a Demonstration Plot in Bowring Park that will show over a three-year period the comparative effects of soil preparation, plant nutrition and plant material selection on the landscape. Funds have been identified for signage, print materials and production of a video documentary.

A Government Liaison subcommittee was formed at the September meeting of the IAS. This committee will initiate and facilitate ongoing communications between the Industry and all levels of Government. The Committee will be meeting shortly with the Minister of Forest Resources and AgrIfoods in order to brief him and his officials on the work of the IAS and to discuss the department's future role in supporting the industry. 

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