Joint Statement on the Emergency Registration of Strychnine

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), and Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) welcome the decision by the Government of Canada to allow an Emergency Registration to Alberta and Saskatchewan to register Strychnine until November 2027.

With no viable alternatives, beef producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan need Strychnine to manage Richardson’s ground squirrels, which are highly destructive across prairie rangelands, croplands and pasturelands critical for beef production.

“Alberta Beef Producers is pleased to see the authorization of an emergency registration of Strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrels. We are sincerely grateful to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson and their teams for the consistent advocacy on behalf of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers. ABP has been engaged on this file since June through letters and meetings to raise producer concerns, and we appreciate the Minister’s willingness to go to bat for issues that impact producers on the ground,” said Doug Roxburgh, Chair, Alberta Beef Producers.

“Saskatchewan Cattle Association would like to thank the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, with special thanks to Premier Scott Moe and Minister David Marit, for the ongoing advocacy for the province’s producers. This is a significant step in addressing challenges faced by Richardson ground squirrels, and we will continue to work with governments to ensure producers have effective and practical tools going forward,” said Chad Ross, Chair, Saskatchewan Cattle Association.

“Last summer, Minister MacDonald went on a ranch tour when he heard feedback and saw firsthand the challenges producers are facing regarding Richardson’s ground squirrels overpopulation. We’re pleased that the Federal government has heard our concerns, and we appreciate the practical decision made by Canada’s Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel and Minister of Agriculture, Heath MacDonald,” said Tyler Fulton, CCA President.