WHEREAS Leafy Spurge is a Noxious Weed as designated in the Weed Control Act; and

WHEREAS many provincial highways have this weed within their right-of-way and are mowing late in the season which does not control it;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM request the Department of Highways and Infrastructure and Crown Corporations to control Leafy Spurge early in the year with the intention of eradicating it.

Response from Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Highways and Infrastructure

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) employs an integrated weed control program with a combination of mechanical and chemical control methods. MHI contracts herbicide control work to licensed pesticide applicators on an annual basis along its roadsides and other land it manages.  MHI is continuously looking at ways to improve its effectiveness at controlling weeds, as no single method is

100 per cent effective.  MHI strives to find a balance between mowing for weed control and our regular right-of-way mowing for sightlines and safety.  MHI is interested in communicating with rural municipalities, landowners and weed inspectors to coordinate weed control efforts, as weeds such as leafy spurge, often and easily cross jurisdictional borders.

Leafy spurge is designated as a Noxious Weed in The Weed Control Act.  This designation entails eradication of small infestations, and containment and control of larger infestations.  The Ministry prioritizes weed control based on these regulatory requirements and within the context of our current budget.