Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, as a push for a national regulatory framework gains momentum. Invasive plant species pose a threat to biodiversity nationwide, prompting local governments to address gaps in the current patchwork of regulations. Canada has set a goal of reducing the introduction and establishment of invasive species by at least 50% by 2030.
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) is advocating for the establishment of a federal regulatory body overseeing the horticultural industry and the creation 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 harms posed by invasive plants, suggesting that similar measures are already in place for other products and should be extended to plants.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, provinces and territories have their own legislation addressing invasive species and weed control. The CFIA highlighted that their approach focuses on species-specific risks rather than a blanket prohibition on all invasive plants, with restrictions on the import, sale, possession, and movement of regulated pests.
Various stakeholders, including provinces, municipalities, industry players, and invasive plant organizations, share responsibility for managing invasive plants. The CFIA stated that any expansion of federal restrictions would be contingent on the risk posed by specific species and the existing legislative framework.
Recent municipal initiatives include Nanaimo’s motion to amend bylaws restricting the sale of plants listed by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. and Surrey’s ban on sales by certain businesses. London’s environmental committee also proposed requiring retailers to provide information on invasive plants and animals to customers during sales transactions.
Advocates are calling on the federal government to address the horticultural trade to achieve the 2030 target of reducing invasive species. Research has shown that the sale of ornamental non-native plants is a primary pathway for introducing invasives, emphasizing the need for a national database to inform stakeholders about regional risks.
Horticultural expert Jim Hole noted that most garden centers would support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive plants, with the industry capable of adapting to new regulations without significant impact on business. Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson underscored the role of nurseries in biodiversity loss, highlighting the importance of educating consumers and promoting native plant gardening for ecosystem health.