The Ontario government is expanding protections to protect invasive species from establishing or spreading in the province. The government is introducing two new proposals on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, and is seeking feedback from stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and the public.
The first proposal outlines the new rules under the Invasive Species Act, created in 2015, that would regulate an additional 13 invasive species, including wild pigs. It will also prevent the introduction and further spread of aquatic invasive species into Ontario’s lakes and rivers.
The ministry is also seeking input through a second posting of a draft strategy titled “Ontario’s Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs.” Both the new actions outlined the draft strategy and the proposed new rules under the Invasive Species Act aim to prevent wild pigs from becoming established in Ontario.
Wild pigs are known to cause significant damage to farmland, as their behaviour includes trampling, wallowing, and rooting in sensitive habitats.
"Our government recognizes that invasive species pose a real threat to Ontario's environment and economy," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "The proposed rules under the Invasive Species Act would establish several new safeguards against the plants, fish, and animals threatening Ontario's biodiversity and socio-economic well-being."
The Invasive Species Act, 2015, currently lists 20 species, prohibiting and restricting certain invasive species and carriers. In 2020-2021, Ontario has invested more than $2 million to research, monitor, and manage invasive species through programs and education.