Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, urging the Canadian government to implement a national strategy for regulating the horticultural industry. Invasive plants pose a threat to biodiversity nationwide, prompting cities to address gaps in the current regulatory framework that varies by location. Canada has committed to reducing the introduction and establishment of invasive species by 50% by 2030.
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) is advocating for the establishment of a federal regulatory body overseeing the horticultural sector and the development of a national database outlining invasive plants and associated risks in different regions. CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis emphasized the importance of informing the public about the potential harm posed by invasive plants, suggesting that similar practices are already in place for other products.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates certain invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation governing invasive species and weed control. The CFIA adopts a species- and risk-based approach rather than a blanket prohibition on all invasive plants, restricting the import, sale, possession, and movement of regulated pests sold for ornamental purposes.
In response to local initiatives, such as Nanaimo and Surrey’s bans on the sale of invasive plants, the CFIA highlighted that invasive plant management is a collaborative effort involving federal, provincial, municipal, industry, and advocacy organizations. The consideration of broader federal restrictions depends on the specific risks posed by invasive species and existing legislative authorities.
Advocates are calling on Ottawa to address the issue within the horticultural trade to meet the 2030 target set by the federal government. Studies have shown that the sale of non-native ornamental plants serves as a primary pathway for introducing invasive species, with nurseries potentially contributing up to 80% of these introductions.
Implementing a national database, according to CCIPR, would provide stakeholders with valuable information on invasive plant risks, promoting informed decision-making. Additionally, advocates propose removing invasive plants from shelves or clearly labeling them to raise awareness among consumers.
Industry experts like Jim Hole support efforts to curb the spread of invasive plants, noting that most garden centers would comply with regulations to protect biodiversity. He emphasized the importance of research, regulation, and education to assist greenhouse owners and farmers in managing unwanted plant species effectively.
Highlighting the role of gardeners in combatting invasive plants, native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson stressed that nurseries play a significant role in influencing consumer choices. She emphasized the importance of native plant gardens in supporting pollinators and ecosystem health, urging the public to recognize the interconnectedness of their gardens with the natural world.