Media Release- Emergency Approval of Strychnine for Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Smoky Lake County Welcomes Federal Emergency Approval of Strychnine for Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control
Smoky Lake County, Alberta - April 1, 2026

 Alberta’s local producers and agricultural organizations are cautiously optimistic following the Government of Canada’s announcement of a time-limited emergency registration for 2% liquid strychnine to help manage damaging populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels (commonly known as gophers).  The federal approval, granted on March 30, 2026, under the Pest Control Products Act, authorizes controlled use of strychnine in Alberta (and Saskatchewan) until November 2027. This decision responds to significant crop and pasture damage caused by surging ground squirrel populations, which have led to millions of dollars in losses for producers across the Prairies.

 This emergency registration temporarily brings back a tool in the integrated pest management toolbox at a time when gopher infestations are threatening yields and forage. After months of advocacy by the Agricultural Service Boards (ASB), Alberta Commissions and Producers groups, we’re hopeful this emergency measure will deliver meaningful relief for affected operations.  The approval follows a revised joint application from the two provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan), which incorporated enhanced risk-mitigation measures, targeted application windows, and stricter stewardship requirements to address environmental and wildlife safety concerns raised in an earlier review. Use will be limited to specific high-infestation areas, with stricter conditions including mandatory training, reporting, and application timing (for example, late summer windows in eligible zones).

 While producers might view this as a positive and practical step forward, caution remains essential. Details of the final program—including exact eligible regions in Alberta, product availability, training requirements, and precise mitigation protocols—are still being finalized by federal and provincial authorities. Parameters could still evolve as implementation plans are developed and rolled out.

“Safety for non-target species and the broader environment is paramount,” Sebastien Dutrisac, Agricultural Fieldman for Smoky Lake County added. The County urges all producers to await full guidelines from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) before any use, and to follow them diligently. This is a temporary, controlled authorization—not a blanket return to past practices.”

Local Municipalities, ASBs, and commodity groups continue to work closely with provincial officials to ensure smooth access and responsible application. They also emphasize the need for ongoing research into longer-term, sustainable gopher management solutions that balance effective control with environmental stewardship.

 Producers with questions about the emergency registration are encouraged to contact their local agricultural service board, county office, or Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for the latest updates as more implementation details become available.

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Sebastien Dutrisac
Agricultural Fieldman
Smoky Lake County
780-656-3730