February 15, 2015
Landscape Ontario Honorary Life Member Gord Shuttleworth says every organization needs a code by which to operate.

Although he is well aware that Landscape Ontario has such a code, he feels it’s time to re-visit the idea of examining and improving that code.

This month’s Landscape Ontario magazine includes a Statement of Conduct, Principles and Ethics insert. The page is suitable for framing.

“I believe that if each member had one hanging on the wall of their office or store, it would be a more permanent reminder of how we as an Association are committed to our profession,” says Shuttleworth.

Shuttleworth is an industry pioneer, past president of Landscape Ontario, innovator and inventor. He received one of the Association’s highest honours at Congress 2013 with the presentation of the Landscape Ontario Honorary Life Membership.
The honour was presented by another life member and past president (1979) Karl Stensson, who said, “Gord is one of a long line of leaders who have influenced others through their principles, values, ethics and activities.”

Shuttleworth’s lifetime service encompasses both Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. His father was president of CNLA (formerly Canadian Nursery Trades Association) from 1959-1960. In 1976, Gord Shuttleworth was elected as the fourth president of LO, and continued the position when he was re-elected for another term in 1978. He served as president of the London Chapter in 1982.

Shuttleworth says that the original code of ethics was simple and to the point. “About ten years ago the code was changed to a more complicated list. I also don’t think it (the code) has enough teeth.”

He also notes that he sees in some cases deterioration in quality of work in landscapes and nursery products. He cites selling plants in two, three and four gallon pots, as opposed to 40, 50 or 60 cm sizes.

Shuttleworth says he doubts the vast majority of LO members even know the Association has a code of ethics.

“I just had a best friend pass away, and at the funeral home I noticed on the wall a plaque called, A Code of Conduct,” says Shuttleworth. It was a solid statement of how they would treat the customer. It was a reminder of what our Association is missing.”