Efforts are underway in Canadian cities to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, as advocates urge the Canadian government to establish a national strategy for regulating the horticultural industry.
With invasive plants posing a threat to biodiversity nationwide, municipalities are taking steps to address gaps in the current regulatory framework, which varies by region. 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 regulatory body by the federal government to oversee the horticultural sector and develop a national database identifying invasive plants and their associated risks in different areas.
“Even if outright prohibition is not feasible, it is crucial to inform the public about potential harm,” emphasized CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis. “Similar to other products, it is essential to provide this information for plants as well. It’s a matter of common sense.”
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation to manage invasive species and weeds.
The CFIA stated to CBC News that their approach focuses on specific species and associated risks rather than a blanket ban covering all invasive plants in every region. The agency can impose restrictions on the import, sale, possession, and movement of plants recognized as regulated pests, including those sold for ornamental purposes.
The CFIA highlighted that while regulatory actions are part of the solution, effective invasive plant management requires collaboration among federal and provincial governments, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and invasive plant organizations.
Regarding the sale of invasive plants, several Canadian cities have taken steps to address the issue. Nanaimo and Surrey have recently initiated bylaw amendments to restrict the sale of plants listed by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. London’s environmental committee has also proposed regulations for retailers selling invasive plants and animals.
Kavassalis expressed concerns about the decentralized approach to managing invasive plants, stating that such fragmented solutions consume resources inefficiently. Kirsty MacDonald, Nanaimo’s parks manager, emphasized the impact of invasive plants on the local environment and highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue.
Advocates are urging the federal government to take action to achieve the 2030 target of reducing invasive species by addressing challenges within the horticultural trade. A study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst identified the sale of non-native ornamental plants as a key pathway for introducing invasive species in the United States, a problem that also exists in Canada.
The CCIPR proposes the establishment of a national database to provide stakeholders with information on invasive plants and advocates for clearer labeling or removal of invasive species from shelves. However, the CFIA clarified that managing a nationwide database of invasive plants falls outside its regulatory mandate.
Expert opinions, such as those of horticulture specialist Jim Hole, suggest that most garden centers would support efforts to curb the spread of invasive plants. Hole emphasized the importance of research, regulation, and public education to assist greenhouse owners and farmers in controlling unwanted plant species.
Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson pointed out the role of nurseries in promoting biodiversity loss by selling non-native plants. She highlighted the significance of native plant gardens for supporting pollinators and ecosystems.
Kavassalis emphasized the need for regulations in garden centers to raise public awareness and combat “plant blindness,” encouraging a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between garden plants and the natural world.
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