On February 2, 2026, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) communicated its decision denying the Alberta/Saskatchewan Emergency Use Registration (EUR) for 2% liquid strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrels’ control. PMRA’s rationale indicated that the mitigation measures proposed in the EUR request did not sufficiently address the risk of the primary and secondary poising to non-target species.
ASBPC Chair Rob Siewert’s statement
Alberta’s Agricultural Service Board’s are very disappointed in PMRA’s decision to refuse the request of a one-year emergency registration of 2% liquid strychnine to combat the exponential growth of the Richardson’s Ground Squirrel’s (RGS) in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Today we see a government body not listening to agricultural producers and not acknowledging facts or data presented. Strychnine has been used in the prairie provinces since 1928 as part of an integrated pest management program. When used according to label, it has proven to be effective and safe. Currently, no other alternatives can provide the same efficacy for RGS control, which has created significant financial loss for Agricultural Producers.
The PMRA is dismissing the economic burdens of RGS and the animal health problems they cause to other animals. The PMRA is not listening to provincial calls or the Canadian Agriculture Minister, Heath MacDonald, who stated he supports an emergency use registration. They are not listening to the historical lessons of RGS and disregarding the fact that strychnine can be used safely. While the PMRA removed this effective tool for RGS control, the federal government is concurrently making significant cutbacks to Agricultural research which is needed to find alternatives.
Alberta’s farmers and ranchers work long and hard to provide quality food for all Canadians and customers abroad. They are careful stewards of the land, resources, and are major contributors to our nation’s food security and GDP.
We call on the PMRA and the Canadian government to immediately reverse its decision and provide the emergency use registration of 2% liquid strychnine with the thoughtful safety provisions provided by the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Rob Siewert, ASBPC Chair
Background
On January 21, 2026, ASBs passed RESOLUTION 1-26: EMERGENCY REGISTRATION OF 2% LIQUID STRYCHNINE FOR RICHARDSON’S GROUND SQUIRREL (RGS) CONTROL asking that Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Health Canada, work with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and make 2% liquid strychnine available to farmers/ranchers for the 2026 season and beyond.
This is just one more in a long line of advocacy that has taken place since 1992 when the use of strychnine was first limited to only emergency use registrations. Timely access to affordable, cost effective control methods has been an ongoing concern for the past 34 years.
The Emergency Use Registration process is not timely or effective for dealing with outbreaks that are a natural part of our landscape. Linda Hunt, Executive Assistant ASBPC
The ASBPC partnered with MP John Barlow in 2025 to survey Alberta farmers to determine the extent of the impact on farms. Over 200 producers responded to the call in just over a few weeks.
Related information
ASBPC Position on Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control – Background and history
ASBPC Chair Rob Siewert Statement, Feb 3, 2026
Notice to ASBs from ADM John Conrad Feb 3, 2026
Strychnine: Minister Sigurdson News Release Feb 2, 2026
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