Ontario’s Invasive Species Bill Receives Royal Accent
Ontario is taking further action to protect communities from the significant social, economic and ecological impacts of invasive species by passing the Invasive Species Act. The Act received Royal Assent on November 3rd, 2015, following its passage in the Legislature on October 21, 2015. The passing of this legislation makes Ontario the first and only jurisdiction in Canada that has stand-alone invasive species legislation.
No species or carriers have been proposed for regulation under the Act at this time. Decisions to regulate species under the Act will be based on risk assessments that consider environmental, social and economic impacts of the species in Ontario. Stakeholders, including landowners and farmers, will have an opportunity to review and comment on any new policies or regulations before they are applied.
This legislation will support the prevention, early detection, rapid response and eradication of invasive species, such as carp, round goby, giant hogweed and northern snakehead. It will also:
- Give Ontario the tools to ban the possession and transportation of certain invasive species;
- Allow for earlier intervention and rapid response to keep invasive species from spreading, for example by preventing the movement of contaminated firewood;
- Help ensure compliance through modernized inspection and enforcement measures.
Ontario continues to work with key partners to educate the public and address the growing threat invasive species pose.
Taking strong action to prevent the spread of invasive species is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan.
“Ontario is proud to be the first and only jurisdiction in Canada to enact standalone invasive species legislation. Invasive species pose a significant risk to our natural environment and our economy. This new act is a critical tool in our collective fight against the growing threats of invasive species in Ontario,” said Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
Quick Facts
- Globally, costs to the environment, agriculture and communities from invasive species are estimated to be $1.4 trillion — the equivalent of five per cent of the global economy and seven times the cost of natural disasters.
- To report invasive species sightings, please call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, or email info@invadingspecies.com.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP
Download the free EDDMapS app at http://www.eddmaps.org/ontario/ to identify and report invasive species that you see or locate in Ontario right from your smartphone.
- Easy species reporting that captures your current location and allows you to submit an image of your sightings. IveGot1 allows for both online and offline reporting with reports saved on your phone for uploading when you have network connectivity.
- Images and information on Ontario’s worst non-native invasive animals and plants.
- Real-time point distribution maps centered on your current location.
- Powered by EDDMapS – The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health’s Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System. EDDMapS allows for real time tracking of invasive species occurrences using local and national distribution maps and electronic early detection reporting tools.
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