Invasive Species Act

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development The Province recognizes that there are gaps in the current invasive species management and legislative framework in British Columbia, with the potential result that many high-risk species and their pathways of introduction may not be adequately controlled. The federal government has the legislative authority to prevent the introduction of invasive species of concern to Canada. Once a species has established in one or more areas of the country, the responsibility for prevention or management generally transfers to the provinces and territories. The Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Group IMISWG is the coordinating body for invasive species prevention and management and has representation from all resource and land management ministries. IMISWG completed a review of current legislation and policy and identified specific taxonomic groups and invasive species that are not addressed, and areas where changes and improvements to policy would support the prevention of invasive species introduction and spread. Ontario is the first provincialterritorial jurisdiction to have an Invasive Species Act and regulations. Their staff have been sharing lessons learned through that process with the Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Group. The risks posed by invasive species are well recognized by the Provincial government. Invasive species do not obey boundaries, so their management requires coordination across all jurisdictions. The Province is committed to continuing to pursue improved policy solutions to address all invasive species.