Government Advocacy Specialist

Government Advocacy Specialist - Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Location: Milton, Ontario

Reports to: Executive Director

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a not-for-profit association representing over 4,500 member companies across 9 provincial associations, forming a $14 billion industry that supports more than 220,000 jobs nationwide. As the backbone of Canada’s Green industry, our members, from nursery growers to landscape specialists, are more than just stewards of the land; they are partners in environmental resilience. As primarily small and medium-sized businesses, they sit at the intersection of agricultural productivity and climate action.

About the Role

As governments at all levels rethink infrastructure, workforce development, climate adaptation, and urban resilience, the green industry must have a strong, credible voice at the table.

CNLA is seeking an Advocacy Specialist to lead national government relations efforts on behalf of our members. This role is responsible for advancing policy solutions that strengthen workforce capacity, position managed landscapes as essential green infrastructure, and elevate the industry’s contribution to Canada’s economic and environmental priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Advocacy Specialist will lead CNLA’s advocacy work while supporting alignment with the Policy & Stakeholder Manager and provincial partners. The role bridges all levels of government, industry, and public narrative — ensuring policymakers understand the value of ornamental horticulture and that members understand how public policy affects their businesses.

This is not just a policy monitoring role — it is a policy influence role. You will help shape legislation, inform government strategy, and tell the industry’s story in a way that resonates with decision-makers and members alike. A campaign mastermind who can orchestrate a unified story across our entire network.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable drafting a policy brief, meeting with elected officials, and translating regulatory changes into clear, actionable communication. To also be comfortable reporting to the media on our opportunities and issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Human Resource Advocacy:
  • Lead federal advocacy efforts related to workforce development, skilled trades, youth employment pathways, and seasonal labour.
  • Advocate for effective and predictable labour programs, including Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and domestic training initiatives.
  • Collaborate with organizations such as the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC) and allied construction and infrastructure groups to influence apprenticeship standards and workforce policy.
  • Monitor and respond to emerging federal and provincial policies impacting labour, taxation, infrastructure, and regulatory burden.
• Environmental Policy & Sustainability:
  • Position managed landscapes, urban forests, and nursery production as essential green infrastructure within federal, provincial and municipal infrastructure and climate strategies.
  • Advocate for the integration of nature-based solutions into infrastructure funding frameworks and procurement policies.
  • Represent CNLA on key environmental files including climate adaptation, carbon policy impacts, invasive species regulation, land, water air and soil stewardship, biodiversity policy, and urban resilience initiatives.

  • Advance the Plants Love You narrative and new initiatives to reinforce the environmental, social, and economic benefits of ornamental horticulture.

    Industry Storytelling & Strategic Communications

    • Develop compelling briefing notes, consultation submissions, and policy papers for government audiences.
    • Translate complex regulatory developments into clear summaries and action alerts for CNLA members.
    • Coordinate “Day on the Hill” advocacy events and support member engagement with elected officials.
    • Serve as a credible spokesperson or support media engagement highlighting the value of green infrastructure.
    • Develop a unified, headline-driven narrative that aligns the efforts of the CNLA, and our various aligned partners including our Foundations and member activities.
    • Act as the "Campaign Champion," working alongside the communications department to guide messaging.
    • Monitor daily news cycles and societal stressors to initiate public relations campaigns to quickly insert the industry's solutions into breaking national and local conversations.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Experience: 5-10 years in government relations or public affairs, preferably within the Canadian non-profit or agricultural sectors. Experience in integrated marketing, political/issue-based campaigns, or brand management is highly preferred.
• Skills: Strong understanding of the Canadian legislative process, excellent policy writing skills, and the ability to translate complex regulations into member-friendly communications.
• Assets: Bilingual (English/French) and a valid driver’s license for travel to regional events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 CAD per annum (commensurate with experience and based on national advocacy benchmarks).
• Health & Wellness:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to support mental well-being.
• Work-Life Balance:
  • 3-weeks of paid vacation to start, plus a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year’s.
  • Flexible work arrangements (Hybrid/Remote options) to support a healthy work-life integration.
• Retirement & Savings:
  • Employer-matched RRSP contribution plan after successful completion of the probationary period.
• Professional Development:
  • Annual budget for training and attendance at key industry events