Health Canada, which overseas the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), gave its approval to a revised request from the Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The PMRA rejected a request from the two provinces earlier this year—saying it was concerned about potential negative impacts on other wildlife. However, a revised request was given the go-ahead after it included additional stewardship measures and environmental safeguards to support responsible use.

Approximately 120 rural municipalities in Saskatchewan have been granted the Emergency Use Registration. These areas were identified using Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation claims data and information related to species at risk presence. The additional measure include increased monitoring and carcass collection and disposal requirements and enhance mandatory training.

“Saskatchewan producers have been clear about the challenges they face in managing gophers with the limited tools currently available,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “We are pleased to see the emergency use request granted as a practical opportunity for producers to demonstrate how strychnine can help protect their crops and pastures from continued damage. We hope to see strychnine reinstated permanently in the future as a tool producers can use to manage gophers.”

There are 15 rural municipalities in the CJWW listening area that are included in the strychnine emergency area.  These include 405 Great Bend, 406 Mayfield, 434 Blaine Lake, 435 Redberry, 436, Douglas, 463 Duck Lake, 464 Leask, 466 Meeting Lake, 467  Round Hill, 493 Shellbrook, 494 Canwood, 495 Shell Lake, 496 Spiritwood, 497 Medstead and 555 Big River.

The announcement is being welcomed by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, APAS and various producer organizations.