Efforts are underway in Canadian cities to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, as advocacy groups urge the Canadian government to establish a unified approach to regulate the horticultural trade nationwide.
The threat of invasive plants to biodiversity across Canada has prompted municipalities to address gaps in the existing regulatory framework, which varies among different jurisdictions. Canada has committed to reducing the rate of introduction and establishment of known invasive species by at least 50% by 2030.
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) is calling on the federal government to create a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and develop a national database that identifies invasive plants and their associated risks in various regions.
Cathy Kavassalis, co-founder of CCIPR, emphasized the importance of informing the public about potential harm posed by invasive plants, suggesting that similar to other products, plants should also be subject to disclosure measures.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation to control invasive species and weeds.
The CFIA clarified that their approach focuses on species-specific risks rather than a blanket prohibition on all plants considered invasive in every region. They can restrict the import, sale, possession, and movement of regulated pest plants, including those sold for ornamental purposes.
The CFIA highlighted that while regulatory measures play a role, managing invasive plants is a collective responsibility involving provinces, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and invasive plant organizations.
Recent actions by various Canadian cities reflect the growing concern over invasive plants. Nanaimo and Surrey have taken steps to restrict the sale of plants listed by the Invasive Species Council of B.C., while London’s environmental committee recommended that retailers provide information on invasive plants and animals at the point of sale.
Kavassalis criticized the fragmented approach to dealing with invasive plants and called for a more coordinated effort at higher government levels rather than shifting the burden to municipalities.
Kirsty MacDonald, parks manager in Nanaimo, highlighted the impact of invasive plants on the local landscape, stressing the importance of proactive measures to address the issue.
Advocates like Kavassalis are urging the federal government to take action on the horticultural trade to meet the 2030 target set for reducing invasive species. Studies have shown that the sale of non-native ornamental plants is a significant pathway for introducing invasives, a problem also prevalent in Canada.
The CCIPR proposes the establishment of a national database to provide comprehensive information on invasive plants across different regions, facilitating informed decisions by provinces, territories, retailers, and gardeners. They also advocate for the removal of invasive plants from shelves or clear labeling to raise awareness.
Jim Hole, an expert in horticulture and agriculture, emphasized the industry’s willingness to support efforts to curb the spread of invasive plants, citing examples of proactive measures taken by greenhouse owners in response to identified risks.
Lorraine Johnson, a native plant advocate, highlighted the influence of nurseries in shaping consumer choices and emphasized the importance of promoting native plant species to support biodiversity.
Regulating garden centers is seen as a way to combat “plant blindness” among gardeners, encouraging a deeper understanding of the ecological impact of their plant choices.
