5 (1) Where the Minister becomes aware of a threat to Ontario’s natural environment posed by an invasive species that has not been prescribed under section 4 as an invasive species to which this Act applies, the Minister may make an order designating the invasive species as an invasive species to which this Act applies if, in his or her opinion, (a) the invasive species poses a serious and imminent threat to the natural environment that requires the immediate application of the provisions of this Act and of such other safeguards as may be specified in the order; and (b) delays required for making a regulation under section 4 prescribing the invasive species as an invasive species to which this Act applies would unduly increase the threat of harm that the invasive species poses to the natural environment in Ontario or a part of Ontario. Effect of order (2) If an order is made under subsection (1), the following sections of this Act shall apply to the designated invasive species as if it were a prohibited invasive species: 1. Section 7 (Prohibited invasive species, prohibitions). 2. Section 23 (Declaration of invaded place). 3. Section 27 (Actions to control or eradicate invasive species). What the order may require (3) An order designating an invasive species may, (a) prohibit any activity that is likely to increase the threat of the invasive species to the natural environment in Ontario or the part of Ontario specified in the order and that is not otherwise prohibited under section 7; (b) specify circumstances in which an activity or act prohibited by the order or under this Act may be carried out; and (c) authorize a person or class of persons specified in the order to carry out any of the activities or acts prohibited under this Act or in the order, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order. Content of order (4) An order designating an invasive species shall, (a) identify the invasive species being designated and briefly describe the reasons for the designation; (b) specify whether the order applies to all of Ontario or to a part of Ontario and, if the latter, describe the part of Ontario to which it applies; (c) specify the time period for which the order is valid; and (d) contain such other information as the Minister considers relevant to the order. Cessation of designation (5) A designation of an invasive species under subsection (1) ceases to apply on the earlier of the following dates: 1. The day a regulation is made under section 4 prescribing the invasive species. 2. The day specified in the order designating the invasive species. 3. The second anniversary of the day the order designating the invasive species is made. Prohibitions (6) No person shall engage in an activity that is prohibited by an order designating an invasive species except in accordance with the order. Publication of order (7) The Minister shall cause the order to be published, (a) in a newspaper of general circulation in the area to which the order applies, in a publication directed at the segment of the population most directly affected or on a website maintained by the government of Ontario; and (b) in any other manner the Minister considers appropriate. Amendments (8) The Minister may amend an order designating an invasive species to change, (a) the duration of the order; (b) the part of Ontario to which the order applies; and (c) anything described in subsection (3). Same (9) An amendment to an order under subsection (1) shall not extend the duration of the order beyond the two-year period referred to in paragraph 3 of subsection (5). Revocation (10) The Minister may revoke an order made designating an invasive species if he or she is of the opinion the order is no longer necessary to reduce or eliminate the threat to the natural environment posed by the invasive species. Publication (11) The Minister shall publish an amendment or revocation of an order under subsection (1) in accordance with subsection (7). Not a regulation (12) An order made under this section is not a regulation for the purposes of Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006.