The Government of Ontario is seeking to minimize the harmful ecological, social and economic effects of invasive species by investing in management and prevention.
On June 19, Ross Romano, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Sault Ste. Marie, announced the province is investing $850,000 in the Invasive Species Centre to support important ongoing research into prevention, early detection, control and eradication of invasive species across the province.
“Investing in the Invasive Species Centre is an investment in prevention, which is the most effective approach for managing invasive species and vital to the preservation of Ontario’s natural resources in the long-term,” said MPP Romano. “The Centre does vital work, and we are pleased to be working together with them.”
Invasive species can cause significant harm to biodiversity and can affect recreational activities and tourism. Once invasive species become established, it is extremely difficult to remove them, potentially causing long-lasting damage to the environment.
Since 2011, the Invasive Species Centre, based in Sault Ste. Marie has collaborated with government, academic, industry and Indigenous communities and organizations to play a significant role in research, response planning, management and habitat restoration.
“Our province is home to an abundance of natural beauty and resources, and our government is committed to protecting the environment for future generations,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “This means that we have to act now to prevent the spread of invasive species that can harm the great outdoors we love and enjoy.”
In 2020-2021, Ontario is investing over $2 million to support ongoing research, monitoring, and management of invasive species across the province.
For further information on the Invasive Species Centre, click here.
Featured image credit: Invasive Species Centre.
