Canadian cities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, advocating for a national approach to regulate the horticultural trade. In the face of invasive plants endangering biodiversity nationwide, municipalities are stepping in to address gaps in the current regulatory framework that varies by jurisdiction. 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 urging the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and develop 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 harm posed by invasive plants, drawing parallels to existing regulations on other products.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) governs some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation for invasive species and weed control. The CFIA adopts a species- and risk-based approach rather than a blanket prohibition, restricting the import, sale, possession, and movement of regulated pest plants, including those sold for ornamental purposes.
Recognizing that invasive plant management is a collective effort, CFIA highlighted the shared responsibility among provinces, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and invasive plant organizations. The consideration of broader federal restrictions hinges on the risk assessment of specific species and the existing legislative authorities.
Several cities have already taken steps to curb the sale of invasive plants. Nanaimo and Surrey have passed motions to restrict the sale of plants listed by the Invasive Species Council of B.C., while London’s environmental committee recommended providing customers with information on invasive plants at the point of sale.
Advocates stress the importance of addressing the horticultural trade to meet Canada’s 2030 biodiversity targets. Studies have shown that ornamental non-native plants serve as a primary pathway for introducing invasive species, necessitating a coordinated effort to regulate the sale of such plants. Efforts to establish a national database and remove invasive plants from shelves or label them clearly are being advocated for by CCIPR.
Industry experts like Jim Hole support measures to prevent the spread of invasive plants, highlighting the willingness of most garden centers to comply. They emphasize that removing invasive species from their offerings is unlikely to significantly impact their businesses. Public education, stronger regulations, and research are seen as crucial tools to support greenhouse owners and farmers in managing invasive plants effectively.
Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson stresses the influence of nurseries in shaping consumer choices and the need to raise awareness about the impact of non-native plants on biodiversity. Regulating garden centers can help combat “plant blindness” among gardeners, encouraging a deeper understanding of the ecological connections between plants in their gardens and the broader natural world.