An interim province-based regulation approach will be introduced on April 2, 2015.
April 2, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Food Inspection Agency
As of April 2, 2015 the Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (BSLB) regulated area will be expanded to include the entire province of Nova Scotia. The proposed changes will reduce regulatory burden, increase awareness of the regulated areas, and maximize compliance with movement restrictions. Furthermore, the regulations will be in line with domestic and international pest management standards in order to better protect the Maritimes' forest areas from this destructive invasive insect.
The movement of regulated wood products (e.g. softwood firewood and spruce logs) by individuals is the greatest risk to the rapid and long distance spread of BSLB. The use of recognizable provincial boundaries is intended to address movement of regulated wood products by individuals. This interim province-based regulation approach will allow for more open trade regionally in the "Maritime woodbasket" while longer term measures are being considered.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will continue to work with stakeholders and consult widely before any longer-term regulatory changes are implemented.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
Bruce Nunn
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
902-424-5239
