How Should Canada Manage the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle?

Official title: Share your thoughts: Options for emerald ash borer management in Canada

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Environment & Climate
The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across North America and continues to spread. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency asked Canadians how to update regulations controlling the movement of ash wood products. The agency favored expanding regulated zones to cover entire provinces in Eastern Canada where the beetle is already present.

Why This Matters

Got a cottage? Like camping? This affects you. Moving firewood is one of the main ways this beetle spreads. New rules could change where you can take wood and what you can burn. Ash trees are common in backyards, parks, and forests across Eastern Canada—and they're dying fast.

What Could Change

Regulated zones could expand to cover entire provinces in Eastern Canada. That means stricter rules on moving firewood and ash products across provincial borders. A final decision is expected in early 2026, with new rules taking effect in March 2026.

Key Issues

  • Should regulated zones expand to cover entire provinces where the beetle is present?
  • Which of the four proposed management options best balances pest control with practical impacts?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Emerald ash borer management in Canada (RMD-25-01) document outlining the four management options.
  2. Submit feedback by email to forestry-foresterie@inspection.gc.ca.

What Happened

The CFIA will review feedback received and make a final decision in early 2026. Any resulting changes to emerald ash borer regulations are expected to be implemented in March 2026.

Key Documents