Edmonton… Alberta’s agricultural land and natural spaces will benefit from enhanced protection with the new Weed Control Act and regulation, which came into effect on June 16.
The new legislation replaces the old Act and consolidates regulations for a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to protecting the production and quality of Alberta land from invasive plants.
One of the most significant changes in the legislation is an expanded list of invasive plants, which increases Alberta’s ability to be vigilant in keeping prohibited noxious weeds out of the province. Many of the plants added to the list are the result of an extensive study of invasive plant species in bordering provinces and states which may pose a threat to Alberta’s eco-system and agriculture industry.
In addition to providing greater clarity of legislation, other changes include improvements to enforcement and appeal processes, and updates to better reflect current activity in the seed-cleaning sector and other industry developments.
The Alberta government developed the new Act and regulation in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the legislation reflects Alberta’s current realities and needs in the shared effort to protect the province’s natural resources and agriculture industry.
In addition to effective legislation, Alberta’s early detection and rapid response to weeds is supported by programs such as the Crop Pest Surveillance System and the Alberta Weed Survey. These efforts protect the competitiveness of Alberta’s agriculture industry and support the Government of Alberta’s plan for a strong economic recovery. Ensuring that our province’s industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity is part of The Way Forward.
For more information on the Weed Control Act and associated regulation call 780-422-1881 or visit the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website at www.agriculture.alberta.ca.  To find details online click on the Information tab, then click on the Diseases/Insects/Pests link, and look under the heading Legislation.
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June 18, 2010
Details on Alberta’s Weed Control Act and regulation
Alberta’s Weed Control Regulation amalgamates the former Weed Regulation and Seed Cleaning Plant Regulation and provides operational guidelines for the Weed Control Act. It details lists of recognized weeds and outlines the appeal process on fines for weed control infractions. Rules regarding seed cleaning facility inspections and licensing are also included.
List of Designated Plants:
The regulation now organizes weed lists into two designations; Prohibited Noxious and Noxious.  It lists 46 Prohibited Noxious weeds and 29 Noxious weeds.
An expanded list of invasive plants strengthens the legislation and the ability of the province and municipalities to work with the agriculture industry and other Albertans to increase our vigilance in keeping weeds out of Alberta. Many of the plants added to the list are the result of an extensive study of invasive plant species in bordering provinces and states which may pose a threat to Alberta’s eco-system and agriculture industry. A more extensive list also expands Albertans awareness of these invasive weeds, resulting in earlier detection and greater probability of eradication.
Prohibited Noxious weeds are species with demonstrated detrimental effects in other provinces or states that are not established in Alberta. The objective of identifying them is to prevent them from becoming established in the province.
Noxious weeds are species that are widely spread in various areas of the province, but can still pose a significant economic hardship once established. Controlling the spread of Noxious weeds is critical to protecting areas that are not infested.
Descriptions and photos of the new list of designated weeds will be posted on the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website in the near future.
Stakeholder consultations:
Development of the regulation was supported by a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process which included agriculture fieldmen from municipalities, the Federation of Alberta Naturalists, Native Plant Councils, the Invasive Plant Council, urban centres, Alberta academic institutions and research organizations.
Awareness & training efforts:
Information on the new list of designated plants is being shared with municipalities, and training for agriculture fieldmen and bylaw officers is underway.
