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

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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

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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

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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.

Plants Love You

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A national platform with resources to amplify local advertising.

Looking to promote your business. CNLA’s AgriMarketing Program may subsidize eligible members' advertising spend.

The Plants Love YouTM campaign was launched to educate and inspire Canadians about the essential role plants play in climate action, community well-being, and the economy. Now entering its next phase, the campaign emphasizes how planting, growing, and caring for green spaces is not just a lifestyle choice but a public good. For Canadians who care about health, affordability, and climate resilience, plants are part of the solution. Ornamental horticulture is Canada’s 5th most valuable agricultural crop, generating $14.4 billion GDP impact, 222,000+jobs, and $4.5 billion in tax revenue annually.

The Plants Love YouTM program has many assets available to help your companies marketing efforts and are available free to use for members to use to help grow the value of their products and services with Canadian consumers.

For more information, contact:

Nicole Xavier  |  Member Services & Administration Manager  |  nicole@cnla-acpp.ca

Job Postings Spring 2026

YESP – Now accepting applications

As of March 5, 2026, you may access documents for the 2026-27 program year and submit your application. Applications will be accepted until May 4, 2026 (at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time).

The YESP provides non-repayable contributions to employers who hire youth aged 15 to 30 and provide meaningful work experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The YESP covers 50% of wages and benefits paid to a youth (or 80% for Indigenous employers and/or employers who hire a youth facing barriers to employment), up to $14,000, with up to an additional $5,000 available to support relocation or barrier-related costs.

Before you apply, please ensure you read through the program guidelines on AAFC’s website. The program guidelines provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, how to apply, and changes in 2026-27, including changes to: application limits and requirements (such as identifying the youth participant in your application), the eligibility of previous youth participants, and eligible costs for relocation and addressing barriers to employment. 

To apply, download and complete the Project Application Form and Participant Information Form from our website, and submit your application and any supporting documents.

For any questions, email aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@agr.gc.ca or call 1-866-452-5558.

YESP 2026-2027 - EN

Phishing Alert

Over the last several weeks there have been a series of industry members that have had their emails compromised and sent out wide reaching phishing emails regarding "Bid Submission" and or "Project Details" that include a link for more information.  This will likely come from a well known contact - please call (do not email back - if the scammer has email access they will set up replies to legitimize the request) and Delete the email without clicking on anything.   This appears to be a well targeted approach that relies on using existing contacts and preying on busy small business types.  Please be alert and if you're not sure, pickup the phone and verify with the company/contact. 

Skills Alberta Returns

After several years without fielding a team in Alberta, we are excited to announce that we are once again preparing to compete in the Skills Canada provincial event. This year, not only have we assembled a team of age‑eligible competitors, but they are also being supported by instructors from the Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Program at Olds College, along with an exceptional group of industry coaches.
The team will hold regular training sessions throughout February and March, leading up to the final competition, which will take place in the Landscape Pavilion at Olds College on March 28–29.
We invite industry partners to attend the competition days to gain a deeper understanding of the Skills movement and to help build support for future participation. We are also seeking donations of materials and supplies, as well as financial contributions to help cover catering for the team and coaches. If you’re interested in supporting the Skills Alberta team, please contact Lisa Brick at lisa.brick@landscape-alberta.com.
Team Alberta will compete at the national Skills Canada event in Toronto, ON from May 27–29. With this renewed momentum, our goal is to return permanently to the main Skills Alberta competition each year in early May. While timing can be challenging for our industry, the opportunity to connect with more than 10,000 youth who are exploring careers in the skilled trades is invaluable. Being present at this annual event ensures we are represented as a trade of choice for youth and parents alike.
Our industry offers incredible career pathways and meaningful, rewarding work—we simply need to help teachers, parents, and young people connect the dots. Skills Alberta (Skills Canada) is a powerful way to do this. We encourage you to get involved; together, we can be the strongest ambassadors for our industry.

City of Calgary Water Updates: 2026

April 2, 2026

Stage 4 water restrictions have been lifted!

There will be a planned pipe inspection from April 9 to 11, where a mechanical device called a pipe diver will be placed in part of the feeder main to assess its condition. Crews will have to briefly stop water flow to remove the pipe diver, and then conduct water quality testing before restarting the pumps.

Because of the short duration of this work, the City does not expect water restrictions to be needed. However, this could change if unexpected issues arise.

Even though the reinforcement work is complete, there is still a risk of failure until the new parallel pipe is in place. There will also be another planned feeder main shutdown this fall as the City brings the new replacement pipe online.

Timelines for the planned shutdown have not yet been confirmed. As planning continues and schedules are finalized, we will share information as early as possible so there is time to prepare.

We would like to thank the City of Calgary for engaging with Landscape Alberta ahead of the planned spring repairs and for considering our recommendations on the shutdown timeline to help minimize impacts on our industry. We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach as planning moves ahead for the fall shutdown, working together to establish a timeline that results in the least possible disruption to our industry.

March 30, 2026

Water demand status

  • Water demand has been consistently in the green zone, under 500 million litres (ML) each day.
    • Yesterday, demand was 500 ML, even as approximately 12 ML was used to refill the feeder main. This reflects continued strong water saving efforts by residents, businesses and neighbouring communities.
  • As crews move through the final steps to return the feeder main to service, the system remains constrained and continued water conservation is still essential.

Progress update

  • We are now entering the final stages of this work.
  • Crews successfully finished filling the feeder main and teams are sampling and testing the water today to ensure it meets all regulatory standards.
  • While reinforcement work improves stability in targeted sections, the existing feeder main remains an aging asset and will continue to carry risk until a replacement pipe is in place.
  • There is increased risk during upcoming pressure changes as pumps are restarted and water flow is gradually increased, which is expected to begin tomorrow morning.
  • People across the water system may notice temporary cloudiness in their water. This is expected, and the water remains safe to drink.
  • If system performance remains stable, water restrictions could be lifted as early as Thursday, April 2.
  • Site restoration is continuing, with concrete curb work complete and paving beginning today.

Looking ahead

  • As part of planning for the new replacement pipe, an inspection is scheduled for April 9 -11 to assess a steel section of the feeder main. We will use a mechanical inspection device called a pipe diver, and will need to shut down the flow of water to the feeder main temporarily to retrieve the pipe diver once the inspection is complete.
  • This work is expected to proceed without water restrictions, though there remains a possibility that temporary restrictions could be required on short notice if conditions change.

For awareness

  • Rain barrel rebate program: As we move into spring, Calgarians may wish to consider options like rain barrels to reduce outdoor water use. The City’s rain barrel rebate program opens Wednesday, April 1, offering up to $50 off an eligible purchase. Details are available at calgary.ca/rainbarrel.

March 27, 2026

Repair status and schedule

  • The project continues to progress as planned.
  • Surface preparation work for paving is underway, including base gravel installation for roads, berms and concrete curbs, with minimal impact from recent weather. \Traffic changes remain in place near active work areas. Drivers should continue to follow posted signage, expect delays and plan ahead when travelling through the area.

 Looking ahead

  • Filling activities on additional sections of the feeder main are planned to begin tomorrow, followed by water quality sampling, testing and regulatory clearance before reconnection to the system.
  • Paving at reinforcement work sites is expected to begin next week, weather permitting.
  • Preparatory work for the long-term replacement of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is planned to begin next week along 16 Avenue N.W., with single lane closures in place during that work.
  • The next media availability is planned for Monday, March 30.

Key messages

  • Stage 4 Outdoor Water restrictions remain in effect, and we continue to ask everyone to reduce their indoor water use while reinforcement work continues.
  • Keeping overall water use in the “green zone”, below 500 million litres per day (MLD), remains critical until crews fully complete the reinforcement work.
  • We’re asking residents to continue saving water by focusing on a few simple, high impact actions:
  • Keep showers to three minutes or less
  • Flush toilets only when necessary
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

March 12, 2026

Water demand status  

  • Yesterday, total water demand was 489 million litres, once again putting us in the Green Zone where the drinking water system can meet demand with the feeder main out of service.
  • We thank everyone for their great work so far and ask them to continue water saving measures until the feeder main is back in service.

Repair status and schedule

  • Excavation continues across all work areas to prepare pipe segments for reinforcement.
  • Crews are installing trench boxes around exposed sections of pipe.
  • Draining water from one final section of pipe is planned to continue into the weekend.
  • Reinforcement construction continues to be on schedule.  

Looking ahead 

  • Continued water conservation is critical to maintain system stability while relying primarily on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant.
  • Daily monitoring and updates will continue as excavation progresses and reinforcement work ramps up.

Stage 4 Outdoor Water restrictions are currently in effect and we’re asking everyone to reduce their indoor water use while reinforcement work is underway on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.  

March 9, 2026

Stage 4 Survival Guide for Landscapers
This guide is to offer suggestions for what you can do as a business owner to plan for expected and unexpected restrictions.

Landscape Alberta - Stage_4_Survival_Guide

March 2, 2026

Message from City of Calgary:

The City of Calgary is moving forward with planned reinforcement repairs to support the stability of the current Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM). This work will target up to nine segments of the existing pipe to support operations and stability.

Due to the critical condition of the BSFM and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system, the City is reinforcing sections of pipe that are experiencing enhanced levels of deterioration. These reinforcements are intended to support continued operation of the BSFM until the new parallel steel pipe is completed and can take over service from the current line.

Water restrictions will be in place beginning March 9

The feeder main will be taken out of service to complete construction. During this time, it’s critical that all Calgarians and the surrounding regions use less water. Outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be in effect starting March 9 and is expected to last approximately four weeks. No outdoor water use will be permitted during this time. We also anticipate restrictions will be needed again when we tie in the new parallel pipe.

Outside of the reinforcement work, other scenarios outside of The City’s control, including another break in the feeder main or weather-related conditions such as drought or heat waves, may necessitate implementing outdoor water restrictions at any time.

We recognize the urgency of these issues and their potential economic impact. Until the pipe is fully twinned, it remains at risk of failure. Homes, businesses and yards should be ready for Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and voluntary indoor conservation at any time.

Bylaw Updates
Since the first break in 2024, The City has been connecting directly with industries that rely on outdoor water use to better understand the impacts of water restrictions. We heard about possible solutions that reduce reliance on treated water in construction and irrigation, and about key timing windows during which critical activities occur for these industries. In response to the concerns raised, we made updates to outdoor restrictions in 2024 to support the landscaping industry and others. Most importantly, we amended the Water Utility Bylaw in 2025 to create exemptions for watering new trees, sod and seed during their respective establishment periods from the earlier stages of outdoor watering restrictions.

Resources
• Updates on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Improvements Project can be found www.calgary.ca/bsfmreinforcements

• For timely updates on water restrictions, please keep an eye on www.calgary.ca/savewater

• There are many ways you can conserve water without compromising safety or quality. Please check out our resource library at www.calgary.ca/savewateratwork

Read the letter here (includes links to all resources mentioned in message).

February 20, 2026

Timeline & Duration

  • Work begins: March 9
  • Duration: Approximately 4 weeks
  • Expected to last into early April
  • Restrictions anticipated to be lifted before peak watering season
  • A planned shutdown is also expected in the fall (dates TBD)
  • Final detailed plan to be released soon

Why March?

  • Scheduled for spring when river flow is high
  • High snowpack improves water availability
  • March considered the ideal time to reduce risk to the system

What’s Happening

  • The Bearspaw South Feeder Main will be shut down for reinforcement.
  • 9–10 pipe segments will receive targeted repairs, focusing on priority risk areas.
  • Up to 10 targeted reinforcements planned this spring.
  • Pipe is considered critically vulnerable and could fail at any time.
  • There is no guarantee additional breaks won’t happen.
  • Construction on the replacement pipe is underway now, including micro-tunneling, with full replacement expected by fall/December.

Water Restrictions (March 9 – Early April)

Outdoor Use

  • Region-wide outdoor water ban
  • No lawn watering, irrigation, or other outdoor water use permitted.

Indoor Use

  • Residents asked to reduce indoor use by 30%.
  • City-wide water target: 485 million litres per day.
  • Exceeding this threshold puts the entire system at risk.

Ongoing Risk

  • The feeder main is described as “critically ill.”
  • Residents should be prepared for restrictions at any time, even outside planned shutdown periods.
  • Additional emergency breaks remain possible.

Additional Updates

  • Rain barrel rebate program returns April 1 (YardSmart rain barrels)
  • Replacement construction is progressing, aiming for completion by fall 2026.

Landscape Alberta is working with City officials to answer frequent questions and will have more information available at the Leadership Forum in-person event: https://www.landscape-alberta.com/events/leadership-forum/.

 

February 18, 2026

Communication has been ongoing with the City of Calgary about the impacts of water restrictions in the 2026 season.  A task force of members met with City officials last week.  Exact timelines aren’t available at this time, but the phrase “weeks not months” was used throughout the session.  We are working with City official to answer frequent questions and will have more information available at the Leadership Forum in-person event: https://www.landscape-alberta.com/events/leadership-forum/.

 

January 16, 2026

We are pleased to inform you that the Bearspaw South Feeder Main has returned to service, and following careful monitoring, all water restrictions are now lifted effective immediately.

Over the past two weeks, The City of Calgary implemented Stage Four water restrictions to reduce water demand while crews completed the repairs.  Thanks to the cooperation and conservation efforts of all our customers, including yourself, we were able to stabilize the system safely and efficiently.

Key Points for Your Operations:

  • System Stability: Water has been tested and meets or exceeds all regulatory guidelines for safe drinking water.
  • Normal Operations Resumed: You may now resume normal water usage, including refilling processes such as pools or industrial operations, without the need to stagger or limit flows.
  • Temporary Water Quality Changes: You may notice temporary cloudiness or a stronger chlorine smell in water immediately after the feeder main return-to-service. Both are normal, safe, and should resolve with regular use. If issues persist after 24 hours, contact 311.
  • Planned Future Repairs: Additional pipe repair work is planned for this Spring and Fall, which will require further water restrictions. We will communicate early, so your operations can plan accordingly.
  • Unplanned Repairs:  If another break occurs - water restrictions will be required and we’ll need to count on your help again.

We sincerely appreciate your support in conserving water during this critical period. Your actions helped protect Calgary’s water system and ensure safe, reliable service for all residents and businesses.

For updates on Calgary’s water system, please visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak.

January 7, 2026

Calgary Water Main Break – what you need to know

On December 30th, the City of Calgary suffered another critical water main break.  Emergency repairs are underway with services to return to normal by mid-January.

Full-scale replacement of 6km of the feeder-main is set to begin in spring of 2026.  Currently there are no details on exact construction timelines, but Landscape Alberta has been in contact with the City of Calgary about next steps including additional info on timelines and impacts on industry through the 2026 season based on presumed conservation measures throughout the construction process.    Regular water updates will be provided to members as we approach spring.

Ongoing updates can be found here:  https://www.calgary.ca/emergencies/feeder-main-repair/bearspaw-water-main-break.html