Canadian municipalities are taking action to prevent the sale of invasive plants in local garden centers, amid calls for a national strategy to regulate the horticultural trade. As invasive plants pose a threat to biodiversity nationwide, cities are stepping in to address gaps in the existing regulatory framework, which varies by jurisdiction. 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 urging the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and develop 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, drawing parallels to existing regulations on other products.

While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates some invasive plants under the Plant Protection Act, provinces and territories have their own legislation for invasive species or weed control. The CFIA highlighted that their approach is species- and risk-based, rather than a broad prohibition covering all potentially invasive plants in every region. They can restrict the import, sale, possession, and movement of plants identified as regulated pests.

In response to municipal initiatives, such as Nanaimo and Surrey imposing restrictions on the sale of invasive plants, the CFIA stressed that invasive plant management is a collaborative effort involving federal, provincial, and municipal authorities, industry stakeholders, and invasive plant organizations. The consideration of broader federal restrictions would be contingent on the specific risks posed by individual species and the existing legislative powers.

Advocates are calling for a coordinated national effort to address the horticultural trade, with the aim of meeting the government’s 2030 target. Studies have indicated that the sale of ornamental non-native plants serves as a primary pathway for introducing invasive species, a concern mirrored in Canada. Establishing a national database could provide a shared resource for provinces, territories, retailers, and gardeners to access information on plant risks in different regions.

Jim Hole, a horticulture expert, emphasized that most garden centers would support measures to prevent the spread of invasive plants, citing examples where businesses ceased selling invasive species upon recognition. Efforts to enhance research, regulation, and public education are seen as crucial for greenhouse owners and farmers in managing unwanted plants effectively.

Lorraine Johnson, a native plant advocate, underscored the role of nurseries in influencing consumer choices and the need to address biodiversity loss linked to the sale of non-native plants. She emphasized the importance of educating the public on the impacts of invasive species and promoting native plant gardening practices for ecosystem health and pollinator support.

Overall, the push for federal intervention in regulating the horticultural trade aligns with efforts at the municipal level to tackle the spread of invasive plants and safeguard biodiversity across Canada.