Regina and Edmonton (Rural Roots Canada) – The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has denied a joint request by Alberta and Saskatchewan to give emergency approval to use liquid strychnine to help control the Richardson’s ground squirrel population.
The two provinces had asked to use a two-percent liquid strychnine solution for the 2026 growing season despite a nationwide ban on the neurotoxin implemented in 2024.
In separate statements, the provinces said the decision ignores not only the damage caused by ground squirrels to crops and pastures, but also the economic realities producers are facing because of it.
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said he is “deeply disappointed” in the decision and urged the PMRA to reconsider.
“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,” said Sigurdson. “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.”
He warned rising pest numbers could also worsen Canada’s ongoing food affordability and security challenges.
RELATED: Ground Squirrel Population Boom Has Alberta Calling for Return of Strychnine
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit echoed those concerns, saying producers have been clear about the limitations of existing control options.
“We are extremely disappointed by PMRA’s decision and ask them to reconsider this decision,” he said. “We need a federal regulatory system that considers economic impacts felt by producers and the realities on the ground.”
Sigurdson said Alberta and Saskatchewan proposed measures to reduce risks to non-target species, which had been a factor in the decision to ban strychnine, while allowing landowners to protect their livelihoods. Both provinces, he added, met with the PMRA throughout the review process to answer questions and stress the need for strychnine’s reinstatement.
Marit said the provinces’ emergency use application included strengthened mitigation measures such as narrower application windows, mandatory training, enhanced reporting requirements and improved stewardship to minimize risks to other species.
While PMRA determined those measures were not sufficient to reduce risk to an acceptable level, Saskatchewan maintains that all concerns raised by the agency were addressed.
The two provinces submitted their joint request in October 2025, following continued complaints from producers about the limited effectiveness of approved alternatives.
Saskatchewan says it will now pivot toward a Richardson’s ground squirrel management strategy that includes support through the Gopher Control Program, targeted education for producers, and new research into pest control and environmental mitigation practices.
Both provinces continue to call on Ottawa to reinstate strychnine use, describing it as a practical and necessary tool to protect Prairie agriculture.
