Effective October 1, 2015, Saskatchewan minimum wage earners will earn $10.50 per hour. Since 2007, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage has increased by 32 per cent, with eight increases from $7.95 to $10.50 over the past eight years.
 
The Government of Saskatchewan previously announced the increase to minimum wage in June of this year helping business prepare for the change.
 
Each year, minimum wage is reviewed using an indexation formula which is based on equal weighting of the change in Consumer Price Index and the Average Hourly Wage for the previous year.  Changes are subject to Cabinet approval and are to be announced by June 30 each year. These changes would take effect October 1 of the same year.

Landscape Alberta is pleased to be bringing Alberta’s largest Green Industry Conference to Calgary this November. We’ve hosted our annual fall conference and trade show in Edmonton since 1990 and, in response to popular demand, we will be alternating between Calgary and Edmonton annually. Our aim is to connect the best ideas, technology, and people in our industry while ensuring the broadest access to expertise and quality suppliers locally and across the west. On November 19 and 20, conference attendees have access to two exciting mornings featuring more than 20 educational opportunities for every sector of the ornamental horticulture industry. 
 
Conference session highlights include author and water management expert, Brad Lancaster, with two sessions including Principles, Practices and Tips for Water Harvesting; and, designer, Jon Altschuld, with sessions on Rendering Future Tech and Landscape Design and 3D Terrain Modeling. This year’s conference focuses broadly on the need for discussion about the changing urban environment and the challenges of operating a business in today’s world. Annual favorites such as Dr. Ken Fry and Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza will be joined by experts from across North America that will inspire visitors, invigorate professionals and motivate newcomers. Everyone will find something to stoke their fire and those looking for continuing education credits will also find sessions to fulfill those needs.
 
Landscape Alberta members receive preferred pricing on conference registration. In addition to the educational opportunities, all conference attendees have access to the Green Industry Show. With over 230 booths, it is the largest green industry show in Western Canada and is an annual must-see event. For more information on the Green Industry Show & Conference and to view the full conference program, please visit www.greenindustryshow.com.
 
Register before October 31, 2015 and have your name entered in a draw to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet!

The Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (CSAWP) would like to remind members that SAWP workers are available in companion to the more commonly used program with Mexico.
 
The Barbados Liaison Service (BLS) has over 40 years’ experience in the recruitment, selection and placement of temporary foreign workers in Canada. BLS provides the same services including;

 
The Barbadian worker’s first language is English and all flights transfer via Toronto, where BLS staff assist with the immigration process.
 
Members looking for additional SAWP workers or in participating in the program for the first time are reminded that the Caribbean is a viable option to consider.
 
For further information please contact: James Inniss, Liaison Officer, jinniss@foreign.gov.bb,
(416) 214-9825.  

DynaSCAPE Software: Members receive a 10% discount off new or upgrade license purchases and online training.
Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultants: Your Schooley consultant will audit your existing telecom system to find you savings
 
For more information on these or any other member benefit discount programs, call CNLA Member Services at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8645 for Chelsea or ext. 8655 for Christine. www.cnla-acpp.ca/benefits  

November 4 & 5, 2015. Saskatchewan Green Trades Conference, Saskatoon Inn, Saskatoon, SK. www.saskgreenhouses.com
November 19 & 20, 2015. Green Industry Show & Conference, BMO Centre, Calgary, AB. www.greenindustryshow.com, 1-800-378-3198
November 23 - 25, 2015. HortEast Conference & Trade Show, Moncton Coliseum Complex, Moncton, NB. www.horteast.com
December 10 & 11, 2015. LMN Workshop, Finning CAT, 6735 - 9 Street NE, Calgary, AB. www.golmn.com/event/workshop-calgary-ab-cat/