Ontario’s draft Invasive Species Strategic Plan is open for comment until February 23, 2026: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1334
It commits to “addressing high-risk invasive species and pathways,” but the horticultural/nursery trade is not treated as a priority pathway with clear actions or measurable outcomes.
This is a major gap, because horticulture is the primary route by which invasive plants are introduced and spread.
I’ve uploaded my draft submission here. I welcome your comments before I submit it to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources| Biodiversity and Invasive Species Section.
Please consider submitting your own comment. Even short comments matter.
KEY POINTS THE PUBLIC CAN ASK ONTARIO TO ADD:
- Risk screening for plants sold in Ontario (including aquatic ornamentals)
- Restrictions and phase-outs for known high-risk invasive plants
- Mandatory labelling and consumer warnings (we require proper labelling for products in many other sectors)
- Targeted inspection/enforcement focused on garden centres and e-commerce
- Clear disposal/containment rules
- Early action triggers so regulation doesn’t wait until harm is entrenched
- Practical support for municipalities (model bylaws/procurement tools), because without upstream trade controls, costs are downloaded onto taxpayers