Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers. Advocates are urging the Canadian government to implement a national strategy for regulating the horticultural trade. Invasive plants pose a threat to biodiversity nationwide, prompting municipalities to address gaps in the current regulatory framework, which varies by location. Canada has set 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 calling for the establishment of a regulatory body overseeing the horticultural industry and the development of a national database identifying invasive plants and associated risks in different regions. According to CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis, even if a complete prohibition is not feasible, the public should be informed about potential harm, similar to other regulated products.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates some invasive plants, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation addressing invasive species and weed control. Efforts at the municipal level include Nanaimo and Surrey pursuing bylaw amendments to restrict the sale of invasive plants, as well as London’s environmental committee recommending retailers provide information on invasive species to customers during sales.
Kavassalis highlighted the need for a coordinated approach at the national level, as the current fragmented solutions at the local level may be resource-intensive. Kirsty MacDonald, Nanaimo’s parks manager, emphasized the impact invasive plants have on the local environment and potential risks to human health. She mentioned that while most local plant suppliers are aware of the issue, invasive species can still find their way into plant mixes or popular varieties.
Advocates are urging Ottawa to address the horticultural trade to meet the federal government’s 2030 target. Research has shown that ornamental non-native plants are a primary pathway for introducing invasive plants, with the horticultural industry playing a significant role in this process. A national database could provide crucial information to stakeholders on the risks posed by invasive plants in different regions.
Jim Hole, a horticulture and agriculture expert, indicated that most garden centers would support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive plants, citing the example of discontinuing the sale of purple loosestrife when it was identified as invasive. He emphasized the importance of research, regulation, and public education in controlling unwanted plants, noting the significant benefits of keeping invasive species out.
Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson underscored the influence of nurseries in selling non-native plants and their impact on biodiversity loss. She emphasized the importance of native plant gardens in supporting pollinators like bees. Kavassalis stressed that regulating garden centers can help raise awareness among gardeners about the impact of invasive plants on the broader ecosystem, encouraging them to view their gardens as part of the larger living world.