Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, while advocates are urging the Canadian government to establish a national strategy for regulating the horticultural industry. Invasive plants pose a threat to biodiversity nationwide, prompting cities to address gaps in the current jurisdiction-based regulatory framework. Canada has committed to reducing the introduction and establishment of known invasive species by at least 50% by 2030.
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) is calling for the creation of a federal regulatory body overseeing the horticultural sector and the development of a national 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, similar to regulations in place for other products.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates some invasive plants, provinces and territories have their own legislation for managing invasive species. Efforts at the municipal level include Nanaimo’s recent motion to restrict the sale of plants listed by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. and Surrey’s ban on sales by various businesses. London, Ontario’s environmental committee has recommended that retailers selling invasive plants provide information to customers at the point of sale.
Kavassalis expressed concern that local solutions are not sufficient and called for a coordinated approach involving all levels of government. Nanaimo’s parks manager, Kirsty MacDonald, highlighted the impact of invasive plants on the local environment and human health, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.
Advocates are urging the federal government to prioritize the horticultural trade to meet the 2030 target of reducing invasive species. A study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers identified the sale of ornamental non-native plants as a primary pathway for introducing invasive species in the United States, a problem mirrored in Canada.
Proposed measures include establishing a national database to inform stakeholders about regional risks and removing invasive plants from shelves or clearly labeling them. Jim Hole, a horticulture expert, emphasized the willingness of garden centers to support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive plants. Educating the public, enhancing research, and implementing stronger regulations were highlighted as key steps to mitigate the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson underscored the influence of nurseries in promoting non-native plants and the importance of supporting native plant species for biodiversity conservation. Regulating garden centers can help raise awareness among gardeners and foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of plant life within ecosystems.