Saskatchewan welcomes PMRA approval of emergency strychnine use

- Media Release, Gov’t SK

March 31, 202a6

key points from this story:

• Federal agency approves emergency strychnine use
• Saskatchewan and Alberta made joint request
• Use targets Richardson's ground squirrels
• Includes environmental safeguards and training
• Registration valid until November 2027
• Farm groups praise government action

The Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta received approval for a revised joint Emergency Use Request for the use of two per cent liquid strychnine to support integrated pest management of Richardson's ground squirrels (RGS). The revised request was submitted last week to Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) following close collaboration between both provinces and the federal government. The revised request included additional stewardship measures and environmental safeguards to support responsible use.

Saskatchewan producers have been clear about the challenges they face in managing gophers with the limited tools currently available, Agriculture Minister David Marit said. He noted the emergency use request provides a practical opportunity for producers to demonstrate how strychnine can help protect their crops and pastures from continued damage. Marit added that he hopes to see strychnine reinstated permanently in the future.

Under the Emergency Use Registration authorized through the Pest Control Products Act, areas in approximately seven crop districts in southwest, southeast, south central and northwest Saskatchewan will be eligible to access strychnine. These areas were identified using Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation claims data and information related to species at risk presence. The revised Emergency Use Registration includes measures to protect species at risk, including a refined geographic scope, increased monitoring and carcass collection and disposal requirements, and enhanced mandatory training.

The federal authorization allows strychnine to be registered for use in Saskatchewan and Alberta until November 2027, subject to all PMRA conditions. Saskatchewan will continue to support producers, including those outside of areas eligible for strychnine, through extension efforts, the Gopher Control Program and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation programs.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) President Bill Huber said the announcement is a significant win for members who have long sought a practical solution on strychnine. He added that SARM will continue to work with governments and producers to ensure responsible and effective use. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga praised the government for pursuing a common-sense, made-in-Saskatchewan solution to the ongoing gopher infestation.

Sask Wheat board chair Jocelyn Velestuk said having controlled emergency registration provides producers with a critical tool to mitigate damage and losses to cereal crops, calling the approval an important step for farmers. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Board Chair Stuart Lawrence also welcomed the decision, citing limited control options. Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross said livestock producers face substantial economic losses from RGS infestations and praised the province’s efforts to secure access to the pest control tool. SaskOats Chair Elwood White said RGS numbers have sharply increased since strychnine was cancelled in 2023, making the emergency approval essential. SaskBarley Chair Cody Glenn emphasized the revised registration proves strychnine can be safely used while protecting wildlife. SaskOilseeds Research Manager Doug Heath said the approval ensures farmers have effective, responsible tools to manage the pest while maintaining environmental safeguards.