The federal Conservatives say Canada must approve the emergency use of the poison strychnine against gopher infestations.
Conservative MP John Barlow, who is the shadow minister for agriculture, called for the measure in a Thursday press release, saying populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels (gophers) have been out of control on farms and rural municipalities since the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) cancelled the registration of the poison in 2020.
Why it matters: Richardson’s ground squirrels, or gophers, can cause significant damage to pastures and hayland.
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The PMRA re-evaluated the pesticide and said it posed risks to non-target animals like birds. Bans on the sale, and eventually use of strychnine came in following years.
“Farmers and rural municipalities across the Prairies have been sounding the alarm about the devastating agricultural impacts of uncontrolled (gopher) populations,” said Barlow, via the release. “The loss of strychnine has led to widespread infestations, with municipalities reporting severe damage to cropland and pastureland.”
Recently, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) asked federal ministers to reinstate strychnine under emergency use provisions.
According to the statement, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation paid $10.6 million in gopher-related claims in 2024.
Alternative products, such as zinc phosphide, exist for gopher control, but many say they aren’t as effective.
