Health Canada is aware that the control of major Richardson's ground squirrel infestations must consider the integration of available products and management practice, and the cost and viabillity of these options.  The Department recognizes that the only economically feasible option in the short term in some situations may be the use of 2% liquid strychnine.  Therefore, Health Canada has granted a one-year emergency registration of 2% liquid strychnine concentrate to areas in Saskatchewan identified as having a specific high level of infestation.

The emergency registration relies upon the participation, stewardship, and support of many stakeholders, including SARM.  Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food was asked to oversee the distribution and use of 2% strychnine concentrate and to facilitate a regional approach that would  help bring the population of Richardson's ground squirrels to a level that currently registered control products could control.  The conditions of registration were added to minimize the potential impact of 2% liquid strychnine concentrate on humans and non-target species, which was an important consideration in the cancellation of the use of strychnine concentrate in 1992.  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has also been approached to participate in and support a munltifacted research program aimed at the development of new and more sustainable methods of control.  I understand SARM is supportive of this research.

Under the Pest Control Product Regulations, emergency registrations can only be granted for a period of  up to one year.  in the case of the recent registrations granted to Saskatchewan, Health Canada recognizes that a control program (including research) may require and extension for which a formal request will be needed.