432-01206 (Animals)

Whereas, uncontrolled Richardson's ground squirrels' populations can potentially expose Canadians to the risk of harm or injury in rural areas;

Whereas, uncontrolled Richardson's ground squirrels' populations can pose serious threats to the Canadian agricultural industry and can result in serious injuries to livestock;

Whereas, strychnine, when used properly, is the most effective and efficient measure to control populations of Richardson's ground squirrels;

Whereas, there are currently no viable alternatives to strychnine to control populations of Richardson's ground squirrels;

Whereas, Health Canada's decision to ban the use of strychnine will have unintended negative consequences for the Canadian economy and, particularly, the economies of the prairie provinces; and,

Whereas, the Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta have stated their opposition to Health Canada's decision, citing the limited environmental effects of the product when used properly;

We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, call upon Health Canada and the Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, to reverse their decision to ban the sale and use of strychnine under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, and to conduct research to study potential alternatives to strychnine which would serve to control the populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels that are comparable to strychnine in effectiveness, efficiency, and costs.