On March 30, Health Canada, which oversees the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), announced that it has authorized Alberta and Saskatchewan’s re-submission for emergency use registration for two per cent liquid strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrel control until November 2027.
Alberta’s producers have faced significant challenges managing Richardson’s ground squirrels following the PMRA’s 2020 decision to prohibit possession and use of strychnine after March 4, 2023. The temporary use of strychnine will help Alberta and Saskatchewan address multi-million dollars’ worth of damage from the recent spike in Richardson’s ground squirrel population, which have become a serious pest threatening a variety of crops. The prairies have been experiencing abnormally dry conditions, which affects the sustainability and quality of farmlands and allowed the population of these gophers to increase significantly.
The use of strychnine can contribute to an effective pest management program. Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is working with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to procure supply and fully implement the agreement as soon as possible.
This decision aligns with RMA advocacy position as reflected in resolution ER1-20S. Although RMA will continue to seek permanent reinstatement of strychnine authorization, as requested in the resolution, the emergency use registration is helpful in the short-term.
Briana Yee
Policy Advisor
825.319.2417
Briana@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.292.1104
wyatt@RMAlberta.com