Alberta ag minister urges Ottawa to reconsider strychnine decision

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister R.J. Sigurdson says he is disappointed by a federal decision rejecting the emergency use of strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrels, calling the move damaging to Prairie farmers and ranchers.

In a statement issued Monday, Sigurdson said the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s refusal to approve a two per cent liquid strychnine product for emergency pest management removes a critical tool for producers facing growing ground squirrel populations.

Sigurdson said Richardson’s ground squirrels pose a significant threat to hay fields and native pastures, estimating annual risk to exceed $800 million. He warned that unchecked population growth could have broader economic impacts across the agriculture sector and contribute to ongoing food affordability and food security concerns.

“As farmers and ranchers across the Prairies work tirelessly to feed Canadians and the world, federal regulations must reflect economic impacts alongside sustainable agriculture practices,” Sigurdson said.

He said Alberta and Saskatchewan proposed risk-mitigation measures intended to protect non-target species while allowing producers to safeguard crops, livestock and livelihoods.

Sigurdson added that provincial officials met repeatedly with federal regulators during the review process to highlight the need for strychnine and to address technical concerns related to its use.

He urged the PMRA to reconsider its decision and reinstate strychnine as an emergency pest control option for Prairie producers.