National Invasive Species Working Group

Invasive species councils, committees, and coalitions representing the majority of provinces and territories in Canada have formed a National Invasive Species Working Group to work together to reduce the impact of invasive species across the country.

The Working Group works collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries to support actions and information that can help reduce the threat and impacts of invasive species.

The National Invasive Species Working Group was formed as a result of a joint meeting early in 2009 where 10 provinces and two territories voiced the desire to share knowledge across Canadian borders, as invasive species ‘know no boundaries.’  Together, members agreed that a national working group would help build bridges across Canada to work together in the battle against invasive species.

Invasive plant and animal species groups are now working in partnership to build upon the lessons learned in each province or territory to improve public awareness of invasive alien species. Detecting emerging invasives early is integral to prevention, as once established, they spread rapidly, causing damage to the environment, economy, and/or human health.

The Invasive Species Council of BC provides support for the National Invasive Species Working Group meetings and events, with the aim of raising the profile in Canada and to safeguard fragile ecosystems from the immediate threat of invasive alien species.

View the interactive map that provides contact information for each province and territory working on invasive species management. 

Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) is a registered non-profit organization that aims to improve the coordinated management of invasive species across the province and beyond borders. The Council works with agencies and residents collaboratively to minimize the environmental, economic, and social impacts of invasive species. The Council works through building collaboration on mutual priorities determined by its diverse membership of over 1000 individuals and 300 organizations. The Council’s representative Board of Directors implements members’ key priorities in collaboration with Regional Committees and other partners. For more information about the ISCBC, please see About Us.

Alberta Invasive Plants Council

Established in 2004, the Alberta Invasive Plant Council (AIPC) is a registered non-profit society that provides leadership and expertise to engage, enable, and empower Albertans to take action on invasive plant issues. Council members share an interest in understanding invasive plant issues and fostering viable prevention and management strategies. The AIPC works to increase awareness of the impacts of invasive plants in collaboration with stakeholders. 

Saskatchewan Invasive Species Council

The Saskatchewan Invasive Species Council (SISC) is a not-for-profit association of professionals from federal, provincial, municipal governments, industry and non-government organizations. Council members are knowledgeable on invasive species or their management. The SISC was formed in 2008 to address the lack of coordination and understanding associated with invasive species within the province of Saskatchewan and across Canada. Their vision is to work together to ensure Saskatchewan’s environment, economy and social interests are protected through permanent control and eradication of invasive alien species.

Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

The Invasive Species Council of Manitoba (ISCM) is a nonprofit organization providing a centralized and coordinated province-wide leadership body adopting a collaborative approach to the prevention, early detection, management and potential eradication of invasive species in Manitoba. The ISCM was formed out the demand for collaboration among stakeholders in December of 2006, and continues to grow and gain momentum. Their vision is to maintain a healthy, bio-diverse landscape through the prevention, early detection, and education and awareness of invasive alien species management practices in order to eradicate or limit further spread.

Ontario Invasive Plant Council

The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) is a non-profit, multi-agency organization founded in April 2007 by a group of individuals and organizational representatives who saw the need for a coordinated provincial response to the growing threat of invasive plants. The OIPC is currently housed within the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, a non-profit, charitable organization providing the OIPC with administrative support and office space in its initial stages. Their purpose is to facilitate a coordinated and effective response to the threat of invasive plants by providing leadership, expertise, and a forum to educate, motivate and empower organizations and citizens.   

Québec Interdepartmental Committee on Invasive Species

The Québec Interdepartmental Committee on Invasive Species is an inter-ministry committee that facilitates networking between government ministries and agencies to develop a priority invasive species list, outreach materials, promote research, and a rapid response plan to fight against invasive species. Its purpose is to share information, network, and develop a common vision on invasive species.

Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden

The Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden Inc., as part of the University's inclusive community, is a non-profit corporation that creates and inspires understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas to further the Memorial's mission of research, education, and outreach. They also provide information and resources on invasive alien species impacting Newfoundland. 

New Brunswick Invasive Species Council

The New Brunswick Invasive Species Council (NBISC) is a collaborative initiative involving a number of agencies formed to address the lack of coordination and understanding associated with invasive species within the province of New Brunswick and across Canada. Their vision is to work together to ensure New Brunswick's environment, economy, and social interests are protected through the prevention, early detection, and education and awareness of invasive alien species. They fulfill this vision through best management practices in order to control and eradicate invasive alien species.

Prince Edward Island Invasive Alien Species Working Group

The Prince Edward Island Invasive Alien Species Working Group is led by the P.E.I. Nature Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and management of rural areas on Prince Edward Island. Their objectives are to acquire and hold lands and waters in order to ensure the proper use of plants and animals.

Invasive Species Alliance of Nova Scotia

Established in 2007, the Invasive Species Alliance of Nova Scotia (ISANS) is a non-profit group of individuals and organizations focused on improved communication and information sharing to better address the threat of invasive alien species at the provincial level. ISANS is hosted by the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (ACER) atAcadiaUniversity, centrally located within the province. 

Yukon Invasive Species Council

The Yukon Invasive Species Council (YISC) is a registered non-profit society formed to prevent the introduction and manage the spread of invasive species in the Yukon. This is accomplished by educating and advising the public and professional about invasive species and their risk to ecosystems and economies; actively collaborating with other jurisdictions; and encouraging, promoting, and supporting research on invasive species.

Government of the Northwest Territories

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources promotes and supports the management and sustainable use of renewable resources, the protection and conservation of the environment and wildlife in the Northwest Territories, including the management of invasive alien species.

Note: Currently there is no organization formed in the fight of invasive alien species in Nunavut.