Barrett raises awareness on phragmites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Feb. 26, 2020

QUEEN’S PARK –  Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett used a statement in the Ontario Legislature to raise awareness about phrgamites and give kudos to local groups for their efforts in combating the invasive.

“In my riding, phragmites has been a major threat over the years. This invasive plant infests our wetlands and pushes out native species,” Barrett said in the Legislature. “In recent years, community groups have taken action to stop the spread in the big Lake Erie marshes down at Long Point and Turkey Point. This is a great example of local communities and government working hand in hand to address this common threat.”

He noted that community groups are an integral part of combating invasive species.

“So many community groups across Ontario have been successful in preventing the spread of invasive species and reducing damage through community control projects and volunteer surveying efforts,” Barrett said. “Invasives can harm the biodiversity of an ecosystem, which affects the beauty of our environment, the wildlife within it and our livelihoods by disrupting farming, tourism and sustainable use of our natural resources.”

Barrett also said the government has taken steps to propose the addition of 13 new plants and animals to be added to the list of invasive species and invested more than $2 milllion to support research, monitoring and management of invasive species.

Chatham-Kent MPP Rick Nichols brought up invasive species the following day, and learned about the province’s strategy for feral hogs, an invasive species that has been found in Norfolk County.

Besides asking for reports, the ministry launched a pilot project.

“Earlier this year, my ministry launched a pilot project, which includes on-the-ground follow-up in areas where reports suggest there is a high likelihood that wild pigs are present,” said John Yakubuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “At these locations, ministry staff are actively engaging with landowners to learn as much as possible, and using trail cameras to confirm these reports.”

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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

OFFICIAL HANSARD

Monday, Feb. 24, 2020

Invasive species

Mr. Toby Barrett: It’s Invasive Species Awareness Week in Ontario. Each day of the week focuses on a different aspect of invasive species prevention, monitoring and control. Many resources are available to learn about how invasive species are spread, through horticulture or boating, for example, and good ways to stop it.

So many community groups across Ontario have been successful in preventing the spread of invasive species and reducing damage through community control projects and volunteer surveying efforts. Invasives can harm the biodiversity of an ecosystem, which affects the beauty of our environment, the wildlife within it and our livelihoods by disrupting farming, tourism and sustainable use of our natural resources.

In my riding, phragmites has been a major threat over the years. This invasive plant infests our wetlands and pushes out native species. In recent years, community groups have taken action to stop the spread in the big Lake Erie marshes down at Long Point and Turkey Point. This is a great example of local communities and government working hand in hand to address this common threat.

Our government has taken steps to propose the addition of 13 new plants and animals to be added to the list of invasive species. In 2019-20, Ontario invested over $2 million to support research, monitoring and management of invasive species across our province.

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020

Invasive species

Mr. Rick Nicholls: My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. As was mentioned yesterday, it’s Invasive Species Awareness Week across the province. Many of us have in fact encountered problems with invasive species in our ridings. Invasive species pose a significant threat to Ontario’s biodiversity, recreational activities and tourism.

Can the minister inform us of what the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is doing to tackle the problem?

Hon. John Yakabuski: Thank you to the great member from Chatham-Kent–Leamington for that question. This is Invasive Species Awareness Week, and I’d like to update the House on what we’re doing.

Our government is committed to protecting Ontario’s environment for future generations. We recognize that the most important thing, when it comes to invasive species, is prevention. That’s why, earlier this month, we proposed to add 13 new species to the invasive species list. By adding these species, my ministry will be able to develop prevention and response plans so that quick action can be taken to control and manage threats as they arise.

Last year alone, our government invested over $2 million in invasive species programs and education. These funds go to support ongoing research, monitoring and management of invasive species across the province.

I’ll have more to say in the supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Mr. Rick Nicholls: Thank you to the minister for that answer. Mr. Speaker, it’s great to see what smart, pragmatic work our government is doing to protect and conserve our environment. Initiatives like this are an example of the way in which we are working to make changes that are good for the environment, good for our communities and good for our economy.

I noticed that wild pigs are among the list of species under consideration. I know that we don’t have a major wild pig problem in Ontario, but again, our government is not taking the risk this species poses lightly.

Could the minister please tell the members of this House what measures we are already taking to prevent a wild pig population from establishing in our province?

Hon. John Yakabuski: Thanks again to the member for that very important question. As I mentioned earlier, prevention is the key when dealing with invasive species. Since the fall of 2018, we’ve been asking the public to report wild pig sightings. This plays a critical role in understanding the locations and number of wild pigs in the province, and will inform future action.

Earlier this year, my ministry launched a pilot project, which includes on-the-ground follow-up in areas where reports suggest there is a high likelihood that wild pigs are present. At these locations, ministry staff are actively engaging with landowners to learn as much as possible, and using trail cameras to confirm these reports.

By adding to the list of invasive species, my ministry has further tools at its disposal to regulate, prevent and respond as threats emerge.