ONTARIO-The Ontario government says it is investing $2 million to help municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and local organizations stop the spread of harmful invasive species. Officials say this investment will support 112 projects, create over 160 good-paying local jobs and engage more than 3,000 volunteers to manage and prevent invasive species across the province.
“From early invasive species detection to on-the-ground management, this investment is helping communities across the province protect the natural spaces we all rely on and enjoy,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is proud to support projects like these that bring people together to safeguard Ontario’s biodiversity for generations to come.”
“The best way to protect Ontario from invasive species is by preventing them from spreading,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “That’s why our government continues to invest and give communities the tools they need to keep our waterways and forests safe for families across Ontario to enjoy.”
Officials say invasive species are a leading cause of biodiversity loss in Ontario, with an estimated economic impact of $3.6 billion each year across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and outdoor recreation. Administered by the Invasive Species Centre, the Invasive Species Action Fund helps stop the spread of invasive species through a coordinated, provincewide approach to prevent, detect and respond to invasive species.
