To say we are living in tumultuous times is an understatement. Everyone is under a great deal of unprecedented stress. This Covid-19 crisis is bringing out the worst and the best in us — but mostly the best.
Even as the world seems to be coming apart many of you have chosen to reach out to support, encourage and help each other. It is remarkable and inspiring. Many are looking beyond their own situation and planting seeds of hope. Many are choosing to look forward to a brighter future. Many are choosing action and courage.
Throughout these difficult weeks of chaos and confusion we have received hundreds of calls and emails thanking the Landscape Ontario Task Force for their advocacy work on behalf of the entire profession. The task force members include Alan White, (Chair), Jeff Olsen, Jon Durzi, Dave Wright (LO President), Peter Guinane, Margot Byers, Terry Childs, Lindsey Ross and Jamie Riddell. These individuals are facing the same issues you are and yet they have stepped up to provide leadership and guidance. They are making immense contributions. They meet every day and sometimes on the weekend. Their purpose is to provide guidance and resources to help you weather this significant storm. They are also responsible for our Government Relations strategies.
The present priority of the Task Force is to provide you the tools and information you need to work safely in a post-pandemic world. Premier Ford has appointed a team to develop a plan for growth and prosperity after the crisis. We want to influence that team. We want to be one of the first professions fully allowed to work.
(Please note, until there is an official change to the
Essential Workplaces list certain activities are permitted in certain municipalities under the existing orders for property maintenance. Please check with enforcement officials in your municipality to see what is allowed. Regardless, please work safely.)
We are a responsible industry. We understand the government’s focus on the health and safety of people as our top priority. We ascribe the same importance to the clients we serve and our employees for whom we are responsible. As an outdoor profession, social distancing and other protective strategies are much easier. We feel hopeful that the government will allow us to get back to work soon. However, we need to be prepared. At the regularly scheduled Town Hall Webinar on Tuesday, our focus will be on practical safety protocols.
Here is the link to register.
Please come with your questions and solutions. Together we will get through this. Spring is coming. We choose to plant hope.
