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e-2711 (Animals)

E-petition
Initiated by Autumn Dyck from Swift Current, Saskatchewan

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Minister of Health

Whereas:
  • Uncontrolled Richardson’s ground squirrels’ populations can potentially expose Canadians to the risk of harm or injury in rural areas;
  • Uncontrolled Richardson’s ground squirrels’ populations can pose serious threats to the Canadian agricultural industry and can result in serious injuries to livestock;
  • Strychnine, when used properly, is the most effective and efficient measure to control populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels;
  • There are currently no viable alternatives to strychnine to control populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels;
  • 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
  • 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 the 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.
Open for signature
July 8, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
November 5, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. (EDT)
Photo - Jeremy Patzer
Cypress Hills—Grasslands
Conservative Caucus
Saskatchewan