Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, while urging the Canadian government to establish a unified approach to regulate the horticultural industry nationwide.
The threat of invasive plants to biodiversity nationwide has prompted municipalities to address gaps in the current regulatory framework, which varies across jurisdictions. Canada has a goal to reduce the introduction and establishment of known invasive species by at least 50% by 2030.
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) is advocating for the creation of a national regulatory body for the horticultural sector and the development of a centralized database identifying invasive plants and associated risks in different regions.
CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis emphasized the importance of informing the public about potential harm from invasive plants, suggesting that similar measures are taken for other products and should be extended to plants as well.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation addressing invasive species. The CFIA highlighted that their approach is species- and risk-based, focusing on regulated pests and restricting their import, sale, possession, and movement.
The management of invasive plants is a collaborative effort involving federal and provincial authorities, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and invasive plant organizations. The consideration of broader federal restrictions depends on the risk posed by specific species and available authorities under existing laws.
Recent initiatives by various municipalities, such as Nanaimo, Surrey, and London, have aimed to restrict the sale of invasive plants through bylaw amendments and retail requirements. These local efforts underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach at the national level.
Advocates, including Kavassalis, stress the importance of addressing the horticultural trade to meet the federal government’s 2030 target. Studies have shown that the sale of ornamental non-native plants serves as a primary pathway for introducing invasive species, necessitating stricter regulations and increased public awareness.
Experts like Jim Hole support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive plants and emphasize the role of research, regulation, and education in controlling unwanted species. They believe that proactive measures can have significant benefits for the environment and economy.
Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson highlighted the influence of nurseries in promoting non-native plants and the negative impact on biodiversity. Efforts to regulate garden centers can help raise awareness among gardeners and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
Overall, a collaborative and unified approach involving all levels of government, industry stakeholders, and the public is essential to effectively address the challenges posed by invasive plants and safeguard biodiversity across Canada.