Efforts are underway in Canadian cities to prevent the sale of invasive plants at local garden centers, with calls for a national approach to regulate the horticultural trade gaining momentum. The threat posed by invasive plants to biodiversity has prompted municipalities to address gaps in the existing regulatory framework that varies across jurisdictions. Canada has committed to reducing the rate of introduction and establishment of known invasive species by at least 50 percent 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 development of a national database that identifies invasive plants and their associated risks in different regions.
Cathy Kavassalis, co-founder of CCIPR, emphasized the importance of informing the public about potential harm posed by invasive plants, suggesting that similar practices applied to other products should be extended to plants as well.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation addressing invasive species and weed control. The CFIA noted that their approach focuses on species-specific risks rather than a blanket prohibition on all potentially invasive plants.
According to the CFIA, regulatory actions are a crucial component in managing invasive plants, but the responsibility is shared among federal, provincial, and municipal authorities, industry stakeholders, and invasive plant organizations.
Recent initiatives in various Canadian cities reflect the growing concern over invasive plants. Nanaimo and Surrey have taken steps to restrict the sale of certain plants, with London recommending that retailers selling invasive plants provide information to customers during purchases.
Kavassalis highlighted the need for a coordinated approach at higher government levels to address the issue more effectively, as current efforts are fragmented and resource-intensive.
Kirsty MacDonald, Nanaimo’s parks manager, underscored the impact of invasive plants on local ecosystems and human health, noting that even reputable plant suppliers may unknowingly distribute invasive species.
Advocates are urging the federal government to prioritize addressing the horticultural trade to meet biodiversity targets by 2030. Studies have shown that the sale of non-native plants plays a significant role in introducing invasive species, necessitating a comprehensive strategy to mitigate these risks.
Jim Hole, a horticulture expert, emphasized the willingness of most garden centers to support measures preventing 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 combating invasive species.
Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson raised concerns about the horticultural industry’s role in biodiversity loss, emphasizing the need for consumers and nurseries to prioritize native plant species over non-native varieties. Regulating garden centers can also help raise awareness among gardeners about the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.