Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, while advocates are urging the Canadian government to implement a national strategy for regulating the horticultural industry.

In response to the threat of invasive plants to biodiversity nationwide, municipalities are stepping in to address gaps in the current regulatory framework, which varies between jurisdictions. 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 on the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural sector and develop a national database that identifies invasive plants and their 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) oversees some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, individual provinces and territories have their own legislation for managing invasive species and weeds. The CFIA stated that their approach is focused on species and risk assessment rather than a blanket prohibition on all invasive plants across all regions.

Efforts to combat invasive plants involve collaboration among various stakeholders, including provinces, municipalities, industry players, and invasive plant organizations. Discussions on potential federal restrictions depend on the specific risk posed by invasive species and the existing legislative authorities.

Several Canadian cities have taken steps to address the issue at the local level. Nanaimo and Surrey have pursued bylaw amendments to restrict the sale of invasive plants, while London’s environmental committee recommended providing customers with information on invasive plants and animals at the point of sale.

Advocates are calling on the federal government to prioritize the horticultural trade to achieve the 2030 target for reducing invasive species. Studies have highlighted the role of ornamental non-native plants in introducing invasive species, underscoring the need for collective action at the national level.

Experts emphasize the importance of shared information through a national database to raise awareness among provinces, territories, retailers, and gardeners about the risks associated with specific plants. Efforts to remove invasive plants from the market or clearly label them are also being advocated.

Horticulture and agriculture expert Jim Hole noted that most garden centers would support measures to prevent the spread of invasive plants, citing the example of halting the sale of purple loosestrife. He emphasized the potential benefits of enhanced research, regulation, and public education in controlling unwanted plants.

Native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson highlighted the significant influence of nurseries in shaping consumer choices and emphasized the impact of non-native plants on biodiversity loss. Regulating garden centers can help combat “plant blindness” among gardeners and promote a deeper understanding of the ecological impact of garden plants.