Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued a statement on the federal rejection of strychnine for emergency pest management.

“I am deeply disappointed that the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has rejected Alberta and Saskatchewan’s emergency use registration for two per cent liquid strychnine and urge them to reconsider this decision.

“Alberta’s producers are facing significant challenges when managing Richardson’s ground squirrels (RGS) and the loss of this effective control method is devastating for many across the agriculture sector. The annual risk to hay and native pastures exceeds $800 million and the risk of this exploding RGS population is detrimental to farms and ranches across the country. The downstream effect will also contribute to the ongoing food affordability and security crisis we are facing in Canada.

“As farmers and ranchers across the prairies work tirelessly to feed Canadians and the world, federal regulations must reflect economic impacts, as well as sustainable agriculture practices. Farmers are already excellent stewards of the land. Alberta and Saskatchewan proposed thoughtful and meaningful measures to reduce risks for other species while ensuring landowners could protect their crops, livestock and livelihoods from the significant operational and economic impacts of this pest.

“Throughout the federal review process, Alberta and Saskatchewan representatives met with PMRA to emphasize the crucial need for strychnine as a pest control measure and address technical questions around risk mitigation.

“We urge the PMRA to reconsider this decision and immediately reinstate the use of strychnine as a practical solution for our farmers and ranchers.”

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