Closed consultation: Options for emerald ash borer management in Canada

Current status: Closed

This consultation ran from September 29, 2025, to  November 30, 2025.

About this consultation

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a highly destructive invasive beetle that attacks and kills all species of ash (Fraxinus spp). It has already killed millions of trees in North America. The emerald ash borer is most commonly spread through the movement of firewood and other infested ash wood products, although it can also spread by flying.

With most of the ash population being infested in Eastern Canada and the pest continuing to spread, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) intends to reevaluate its management strategy for the emerald ash borer, and is consulting with partners, industry, stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples on the best way forward.

For more information, consult Emerald ash borer management in Canada (RMD-25-01).

Who was the focus of this consultation

The CFIA sought comments from:

  • industry
  • stakeholders
  • indigenous peoples
  • trading partners
  • other government departments and agencies, including provincial, territorial and municipal
  • all other interested parties

Key theme for discussion

The risk management document, Emerald ash borer management in Canada (RMD-25-01), outlined the 4 options for managing emerald ash borer in Canada that were proposed for this consultation. The CFIA was supporting option 2, which expands the regulated area to include entire provinces where emerald ash borer is already present, in Eastern Canada.

Next steps

The CFIA will review the feedback received through this consultation and make a final decision in early 2026. Any resulting changes are expected to be implemented in March 2026.

More information

Contact us

Send an email to: forestry-foresterie@inspection.gc.ca.