Regulation - LGIC
Regulation of invasive species under the Ontario Invasive Species Act, 2015
Regulation Number(s):
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Invasive Species Act, 2015
Summary of Decision:
A decision was made on November 2, 2016 to proceed with the proposal as described, subject to changes described below as a result of public consultation.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r16354
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r16354
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
16-MNRF010
Posting Date:
September 8, 2016
Summary of Proposal:
The Ontario Invasive Species Act, 2015 comes into force on November 3, 2016. The Act provides the power to make regulations prescribing invasive species and classifying them as either prohibited or restricted. A prohibited invasive species is subject to all of the prohibitions in section 7 of the Act unless there are exceptions provided in the regulation. A restricted invasive species is subject only to the prohibitions in subsection 8(1), but may be subject to further restrictions, conditions, prohibitions and measures under the Act if the regulations so provide.
A key objective of the Invasive Species Act, 2015 and the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan, 2012 is to prevent new invasive species from arriving and establishing in Ontario, since the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage invasive species is to prevent their introduction in the first place.
Ontario is proposing a regulation which would:
• classify the 16 species identified on the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers "Least Wanted Aquatic Invasive Species List" and all species in the family Channidae (Snakeheads) as prohibited under the Invasive Species Act, 2015. This proposal follows the June 1, 2013 commitment by Conference members to take joint action to block these species from entering the Great Lakes basin; and
• classify Phragmites, Dog Strangling Vine and Japanese Knotweed as restricted species under the Invasive Species Act, 2015.
The species proposed for listing represent a small segment of the total number of invasive species that have the potential to be introduced into Ontario or have already become established in Ontario. By proposing these species for regulation, Ontario is taking a significant step in the province's on-going efforts to prevent the introduction or spread of these species in Ontario. Ontario will continue to research impacts of these species and work with partners and stakeholders to identify species where regulatory action under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 will be most effective.
A key objective of the Invasive Species Act, 2015 and the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan, 2012 is to prevent new invasive species from arriving and establishing in Ontario, since the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage invasive species is to prevent their introduction in the first place.
Ontario is proposing a regulation which would:
• classify the 16 species identified on the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers "Least Wanted Aquatic Invasive Species List" and all species in the family Channidae (Snakeheads) as prohibited under the Invasive Species Act, 2015. This proposal follows the June 1, 2013 commitment by Conference members to take joint action to block these species from entering the Great Lakes basin; and
• classify Phragmites, Dog Strangling Vine and Japanese Knotweed as restricted species under the Invasive Species Act, 2015.
The species proposed for listing represent a small segment of the total number of invasive species that have the potential to be introduced into Ontario or have already become established in Ontario. By proposing these species for regulation, Ontario is taking a significant step in the province's on-going efforts to prevent the introduction or spread of these species in Ontario. Ontario will continue to research impacts of these species and work with partners and stakeholders to identify species where regulatory action under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 will be most effective.
Contact Address:
Jeremy Downe
INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM AND POLICY ADVISOR
Ministry of Natural Resources
Policy Division
Natural Resources Conservation Policy Branch
Natural Heritage Section
300 Water Street
Peterborough Ontario
K9J 8M5
Phone: (705) 755-5408
Fax: (705) 755-1971
INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM AND POLICY ADVISOR
Ministry of Natural Resources
Policy Division
Natural Resources Conservation Policy Branch
Natural Heritage Section
300 Water Street
Peterborough Ontario
K9J 8M5
Phone: (705) 755-5408
Fax: (705) 755-1971
Effective Date:
November 3, 2016
Decision:
Approved