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Author: Kyla Hardon

Two more cases Dutch Elm Disease found in Edmonton

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The City of Edmonton has confirmed one elm tree in both the Northmount and Rossdale neighbourhoods has tested positive for Dutch elm disease (DED). These two trees mark the eighth and ninth cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024. 

“These cases were identified by our integrated team of arborists, urban foresters and pest management biologists as they continue intensified surveillance and testing of elm trees across the city. We continue removals, daily assessments and testing in coordination with the province and Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” said Nicole Fraser, Acting Director, Parks and Urban Forestry.

The two trees were in decline and proactively removed as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease. Prompt tree removal is essential to maintain the health and safety of the urban forest.

Both trees were on City property. One of the trees was in the established DED Protocol Zone in the Northmount neighbourhood. The other tree was located in the Rossdale neighbourhood. The Protocol Zone has been expanded to include a one-kilometre radius around both locations. These Zones are established in areas where DED has been confirmed to allow for heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.

Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that spreads easily to nearby elms. The disease poses a significant threat to Edmonton's urban forest, where elm trees make up 22 per cent of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Tree Inventory, or approximately 90,000 in total.

Promptly removing infected trees and any elms within 20 meters of them, alongside a diligent pruning program to clear deadwood, is necessary to reduce habitats for the beetles that spread the fungus.

All pruned elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.

July 14, 2026 - The City of Edmonton announced two additional positive cases for DED.   These two trees mark the eighth and ninth cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024.  Both trees were on City property, one inside the DED Protocol zone in Northmount and the other nearby in Rossdale (with an expanded protocol zone around each find).

The City is reminding residents about DED protocols including pruning ban, signs of the disease, non-movement of firewood and how to report suspected trees.

More info can be found in the news release here.

Time to check the elms for DED symptoms
How we can stop DED
- Check your elm trees for DED symptoms and report immediately to the STOPDED hotline at 1-877-837-ELMS
- Adhere to the annual pruning ban from April 1 to September 30th.
- Respect provincial regulations by not moving or storing elm firewood. Spores of the DED fungus are dispersed via bark beetles that burrow under the bark and lay their eggs. DED can be distributed over long distances in elm logs and in firewood.

Symptoms of infected DED elm tree: 
Flagging - when the leaves of one or more branches near the top of the tree wilt, curl, turn yellow and then brown, remaining on the tree.

Staining - an infected twig sample will have red streaks through the sapwood. https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview.aspx

There are other vascular elm diseases which are not as serious as DED and mimic the symptoms of DED. For this reason, a sample from the infected area of the tree must be sent to the Alberta Plant Health Lab to confirm if DED is present. A confirmed DED tree must be removed and disposed of properly immediately to prevent further spread. https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview.aspx

Firewood is confiscated from travelers at all the AB/US borders. There is one volunteer firewood bin east of Medicine Hat at the Dunmore vehicle and boat inspection site.

DED Regulated Areas Expanded (BC and Saskatchewan)

What Has Changed?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has expanded the regulated areas for Dutch elm disease to include all of Saskatchewan and parts of south-central British Columbia (Kootenay region – near Castlegar) as of June 16, 2026.

This expansion is a response to recent detections of DED in Saskatoon (2025) and British Columbia (2024).

Why Is This Important for Alberta?
Alberta remains a DED - free province, and these new movement restrictions are specifically designed to protect Alberta’s trees and urban forests from the spread of this destructive disease.

The restrictions help prevent the movement of potentially infected elm wood, nursery stock, and bark beetles from newly regulated areas into Alberta.

Keep Calm and Carry-on
Municipalities, landscapers, and tree buyers in Alberta can be reassured that proactive steps are being taken to keep DED out of the province.  This includes the Clean Plants program, as well as firewood collection movement restrictions.

There may be increased public and media attention about DED, but the CFIA has provided clear contacts for information and support to reduce confusion or panic.

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/plant-diseases/dutch-elm-disease

Alberta buyers should continue to source elm trees only from approved, DED-free suppliers and follow any updated guidance from the CFIA or provincial authorities.

Support and Communication
The CFIA encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out directly to their local inspection manager or use the provided contact information for technical support.

Ongoing updates and resources are available on the CFIA website to keep Alberta stakeholders informed or through StopDED (https://www.alberta.ca/society-to-prevent-dutch-elm-disease)

The expansion of regulated areas in Saskatchewan and BC is a precautionary measure to protect Alberta’s valuable elm trees and urban forests. Alberta residents and the horticultural industry should remain vigilant but reassured that strong safeguards are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of Dutch Elm Disease into the province.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda)

The Elm Zigzag Sawfly is an invasive insect native to Asia that eats the leaves of elm trees. It is monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after being first discovered in North America in 2020. In 2025 it was found for the first time in Winnipeg.  It gets its name from the unique, back-and-forth pattern the larvae leave behind as they chew through the leaves.

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/elm-zigzag-sawfly/fact-sheet

CFIA Elm Zigzag Sawfly Reporting Page

More information on this pest can be found on the plant pest cards page. Cards can be printed for your convenience.

How to Identify It

  • Zigzag feeding pattern: Larvae carve a distinct "zigzag" trace between the leaf veins.
  • Larval stage: Tiny, legless, whitish or green caterpillars up to 8 mm in length.
  • Adult stage: Small, shiny black flying insects about 6 to 7 mm long with banded wings.
  • Cocoons: Found on the underside of leaves and enclosed in a loose, net-like mesh.

Impact on Trees

  • Feeds exclusively on elm tree species.
  • Can complete 3 to 4 generations per year, leading to rapid population growth.
  • Heavy infestations can cause severe defoliation, stressing the tree.
  • While it does not spread Dutch elm disease directly, stressed trees are much more vulnerable to the disease and other pests.

Where It Is Found

  • First discovered in Sainte-Martine, Quebec in 2020.
  • Has since spread into eastern Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area, and confirmed by CFIA in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2025.
  • Also widespread in parts of the United States.

Prevention and control   https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/insects/elm-zigzag-sawfly/fact-sheet

  • Aproceros leucopoda is a strong flier and can disperse locally. It is known to move by human-assisted means via plants for planting and hitch-hiking. Cocoons can be found on twigs and leaves; larvae or pupae may be associated with roots and soil.
  • At this time, raising public awareness of the risk of moving infested elm material is essential to help control and limit the spread of A. leucopoda in Canada. Elm trees can be infested with all life stages of the sawfly. Maintaining tree vigour and health, and a diversity of tree species (that is, avoiding monocultures) is one of the best methods to reduce and control infestations of elm zigzag sawfly.

Reporting the Pest

  • If you suspect you have spotted the insect or its characteristic leaf damage and to help determine the extent of its distribution, the CFIA is encouraging the public and all stakeholders to submit samples of any suspect pests they observe on elm trees to their local CFIA office. Suspect sightings can also be reported to the CFIA Elm Zigzag Sawfly Reporting Page
  • This information will assist in evaluating the extent of the infested area and the threat posed by this pest and will help direct the next steps for Canada.

Landscape.Jobs – Connecting Talent Across the Prairies

Momentum continues to build with landscape.jobs as we expand awareness and participation across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

If you're hiring—or planning for the next busy season—now is a great time to ensure your opportunities are posted and visible. We're continuing to position this as the go-to platform for connecting employers with skilled talent in our industry.  It just relaunched nationally, and uptake in the West is limited, but I encourage any openings be posted (for free) here so that we can build some momentum and then leverage job opportunities into wider spread promotion of our industry.

Landscape.jobs

New AgriInvest 2025 filing deadline

If you haven’t already applied for AgriInvest 2025, now is the time to act.

  • June 30, 2026 – Initial deadline to submit your 2025 form without a penalty
  • September 30, 2026 – Final deadline to submit your 2025 form (with a penalty) and file your income tax return

Benefit from a producer-government savings account

As a farmer, you know one tough year can affect your ability to invest in your operation, upgrade equipment, or simply keep the doors open. That's where AgriInvest comes in.

AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account—Here's how it works.

  • Each year, you can deposit up to 100% of your Allowable Net Sales to your AgriInvest account and the government will match 1% of contributions. That's free money for your farm.
  • Your AgriInvest account grows as you make deposits and earn interest. The more you put in, the more you have available when you need it.
  • You can withdraw funds from your AgriInvest account at any time. Whether you're managing a small income decline or making strategic investments, the money is there for you.

Apply before June 30

  • For complete details and how to apply, visit agriculture.canada.ca/agriinvest
  • Do you have any questions? Call the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Contact Centre toll-free at 1-866-367-8506

AgriInvest is one of the business risk management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Structural Pruning Workshop

May 25, 2026 - City of Edmonton worked with Landscape Alberta to offer members a structural pruning demonstration workshop.  This has been an annual event for several years, but this year was described as 'best yet' by one attendee.  The site this year include diversity of tree form and age to allow for fulsome conversation about how contractors and nurseries can support the urban forest as an asset for generations to come.    Several times Landscape Alberta member nurseries were commended for their excellent on farm pruning practices and how that has led to an overall improvement in the quality of trees being planted across the city.
This is a wonderful example of a decade of effort to have meaningful conversation between our members and stakeholders like the City of Edmonton.  The common ground forged over time has worked to create more value in Alberta grown trees, less pruning work by contractors and less rejections and/or replacements at CCC and FAC.
If you were unable to attend or misplaced your handouts please see the meeting guide here.   If you have ideas for topics where we can connect policy and practice in a meaningful way please send your thoughts to joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com.

Spring Economic Update 2026

Spring Economic Update 2026: What It Means for Nursery & Landscape Businesses

Source: Department of Finance Canada – Spring Economic Update 2026: Key Measures (April 27, 2026) [canada.ca]

Overview

The federal government’s Spring Economic Update 2026 outlines major investments focused on housing, infrastructure, skilled trades, nature conservation, and affordability. While not sector‑specific, several measures are expected to directly influence demand, labour availability, and future funding opportunities for the nursery, greenhouse, landscape construction, and landscape maintenance industries.

Key Impacts for the Nursery & Landscape Sector

  1. Housing Acceleration Will Drive Landscaping Demand

The federal government is advancing housing construction through:

  • Accelerated regulatory approvals and modernized building codes
  • Over $7 billion in low‑cost CMHC financing to advance rental and housing projects
  • Support for modular and factory‑built housing

Industry implications

  • Higher housing starts typically lead to increased demand for trees, shrubs, sod, perennials, and landscape installation services.
  • Faster construction timelines may shorten landscape installation windows, increasing pressure on labour, scheduling, and plant availability.
  • Opportunities may grow for nurseries able to supply uniform, pre‑approved, and climate‑resilient plant material at scale.
  1. Skilled Trades Expansion – Opportunity and Competition

The Team Canada Strong initiative aims to recruit and train 80,000–100,000 skilled trades workers by 2030–31.

Industry implications

  • Landscape construction and maintenance employers may benefit from expanded training pipelines, immigration pathways, and credential recognition.
  • At the same time, competition for labour is expected to intensify as housing, infrastructure, and major projects scale up.
  • Employers may need to focus on retention strategies, training partnerships, and productivity improvements.
  1. Nature Strategy Supports Green Infrastructure & Plant Demand

The Update reinforces Canada’s Nature Strategy, including the goal to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and to mobilize capital for nature‑based solutions.

Industry implications

  • Strong alignment with:
    • Native plant production
    • Ecological restoration
    • Urban forestry and green infrastructure
  • Potential growth in public procurement and private investment tied to biodiversity, climate adaptation, and natural asset management.
  • Nurseries producing native, climate‑resilient, and restoration‑grade stock are well positioned.
  1. Infrastructure & Major Projects Create Long‑Term Opportunities

The federal government is launching:

  • A Canada Strong Fund (sovereign wealth fund)
  • A Major Projects Office advancing 21 nation‑building initiatives

Industry implications

  • Large infrastructure projects often include:
    • Site remediation and restoration
    • Urban greening and streetscaping
    • Long‑term landscape establishment and maintenance
  • Early engagement in planning discussions may create opportunities for sustainable landscape solutions to be embedded from the outset.
  1. Affordability Measures – Modest Cost Relief

Short‑term measures include:

  • A temporary pause on the federal fuel excise tax until Labour Day
  • A reduction in the base CPP contribution rate effective January 1, 2027

Industry implications

  • Fuel tax relief may provide temporary, limited cost savings for transportation‑intensive operations.
  • CPP rate reduction offers small but permanent payroll savings for both employers and employees beginning in 2027.

What to Watch Next: Provincial Programs & Funding

While the federal update sets the direction, many supports will flow through provincial and territorial governments over the coming months.

Industry should closely monitor:

  • Provincial skilled trades funding, including expanded apprenticeships, wage subsidies, training grants, and employer supports
  • Infrastructure and housing programs that include landscape, urban forestry, or green infrastructure components
  • Climate, conservation, and natural infrastructure funding, where nurseries and landscape firms may be eligible suppliers or project partners
  • Regional workforce strategies aimed at addressing seasonal labour shortages

As details are finalized, provinces are expected to roll out targeted programs tailored to local labour market needs, creating opportunities for businesses that are prepared, informed, and engaged.

Temporary Federal Fuel Tax Suspension – What Landscape industry businesses need to know

The federal government plans to temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax on:

  • Gasoline
  • Diesel fuel
  • Aviation fuels

This means the federal portion of the fuel tax will drop to $0 per litre for a limited time. Provincial governments may follow suit in short order.

Timing

  • Starts: April 20, 2026
  • Ends: September 7, 2026 (Labour Day)
  • Returns to normal: September 8, 2026

Normal rates being suspended

  • Gasoline & aviation gasoline: 10¢ per litre
  • Diesel & most aviation fuel: 4¢ per litre

Bottom Line for your business

✅ Expect modest fuel cost relief from late April to early September 2026
✅ Useful for transportation-heavy and fuel-intensive operations
⚠️ Businesses using fuel surcharges should actively review and adjust them
📅 Be ready for fuel taxes — and fuel costs — to rise again after Labour Day

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association Launches National Grant Program to Address Horticultural Labour Shortage

Digging into our Future

New national program supports workforce entry, retention, and long-term industry growth.

Milton, Ontario - The CNLA is launching Digging into our Future, a new national employee grant program designed to support the attraction and retention of new employees in the horticulture and landscape industry.

The 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, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (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 support people entering the industry and 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.

Eligible employers must operate within the horticulture or landscape sector, be members of a Provincial Nursery Landscape Association, comply with employment standards, remain in good standing with no outstanding violations, and agree to program verification and reporting requirements. Only one application per company will be accepted.

Applications must be submitted within 30 days of hire and must include proof of employment, an employer verification form, and an employee declaration. To receive the second payment, the employer must confirm that the employee has completed four consecutive months of employment with the same employer.

Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, submission completeness, and funding availability. CNLA may audit applications and conduct random verification checks. False or misleading information may result in repayment of funds and disqualification from the program.

For more information about Digging into our Future, including eligibility details and the application form, visit www.cnla.ca/grants

About CNLA
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a national federation of provincial associations representing members in the landscape, garden centre, and nursery sectors across Canada. CNLA works to support a strong, professional, and sustainable ornamental horticulture industry through advocacy, education, and workforce development. Learn more at www.cnla.ca/grants  

Update Advertising Requirements for TFWP

Update Advertising Requirements for TFWP

New Recruitment Requirements for Low‑Wage Positions (Effective April 1, 2026)

To continue protecting the Canadian labour market and reinforce the priority hiring of Canadians and permanent residents, the TFW Program is introducing two new recruitment requirements for low‑wage positions.

These requirements apply to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications received on or after April 1, 2026.

Employers must:

  1. Advertise the position for at least 8 consecutive weeks
    • Advertising must take place within the 3 months prior to submitting an LMIA application.
    • The full advertising period must be completed before the LMIA is submitted.
  2. Demonstrate targeted recruitment efforts to reach youth (ages 15–30)
    • Employers must show that reasonable efforts were made to encourage youth to apply and be hired before seeking a temporary foreign worker. This can include posting on Job Bank (youth section) and youth job boards, working with schools or colleges, participating in youth employment programs, or using other platforms commonly used by youth.
    • These youth‑focused efforts are in addition to, and do not replace, existing recruitment requirements.

 General Recruitment Requirements – Key Reminders

Before hiring a temporary foreign worker, employers must make reasonable efforts to hire or train Canadians and permanent residents.

For positions in the High-wage Stream or Low-wage Stream, employers must conduct at least 3 recruitment activities to select qualified Canadians and permanent residents.

Employers must review and consider all applications received from Canadians and permanent residents, regardless of whether they are submitted through Job Bank or other recruitment methods used for the position.

Employers are required to retain recruitment and advertising records for a minimum of 6 years and may be requested by Service Canada as part of LMIA assessments or compliance activities. In Quebec, eligible employers for the traitement simplifié must keep recruitment and advertising records even if they are not required to submit these documents at the time of submission.

All required advertising must be completed within the 3-month period before submitting an LMIA, with at least one recruitment activity ongoing until a positive or negative LMIA decision is issued.

The job offer should be consistent with the reasonable workforce needs of the business, and the content in the advertisement should be in line with the position being sought through the TFW Program.

Employers in Quebec, wishing to hire temporary foreign workers, must also consult the MIFI website for provincial requirements.

Please note that there are variations to the requirements on recruitment and advertisement, particularly for primary agriculture positions using the streams for high-wage or low-wage positions.

Mandatory Use of Job Bank: Job Match and Direct Apply

When using Job Bank, employers must ensure that both Job Match (except for primary agriculture positions) and Direct Apply features are enabled and used.

Within the Job Bank employer account:

  • Canadian citizens/permanent residents are identified by a red maple leaf
  • Temporary residents are identified by a character icon

The TFW Program monitors activity on Job Bank to ensure that requirements are met. Disabling Job Match or Direct Apply or failing to consider qualified Canadian or permanent resident applicants may result in a negative LMIA decision.

Additional information

You may consult the TFW Program website for more information on variations to the minimum recruitment and advertising requirements, including primary agriculture positions using the streams for high-wage and/or low-wage positions.

To learn more about the TFW Program, visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.