County ASB approved as registered strychnine vendor

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Heather Cameron
Sunny South News

During the County of Lethbridge Council Meeting on May 21, County of Lethbridge Executive Assistant Candice Robison presented Council with a request from the Agricultural Service Board department.

“The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) respectfully requests that Lethbridge County Council authorize the Agricultural Service Board department to become a registered vendor for the sale and distribution of strychnine to eligible agricultural producers within Lethbridge County,” said Robison.

This initiative, Robison explained, would provide local producers with convenient, regulated access to a critical pest control tool while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal regulations governing the sale and use of the substance.

“Predatory wildlife and rodent populations continue to pose significant challenges to agricultural producers in Lethbridge County,” explained Robison. “These populations can cause substantial losses to livestock, crops, and farm infrastructure. While multiple pest management strategies exist, strychnine remains a proven, and regulated solution for controlling these populations when applied appropriately.”

Robison stated that Administration’s recommendation to Council is that Lethbridge County Council authorize the Agricultural Service Board department to become a registered vendor for the sale and distribution of strychnine to eligible producers within Lethbridge County.

“Strychnine remains an effective tool for managing predatory wildlife and rodent populations that threaten agricultural operations,” stated Robison. “Authorizing the Agricultural Service Board department as a registered vendor would provide producers with convenient local access, expert guidance on proper application and safety, and reduced costs compared to sourcing from distant vendors. The Agricultural Service Board department possesses the expertise and infrastructure to maintain strict compliance with all federal and provincial regulations, including proper licensing, customer verification, secure storage, and comprehensive record-keeping.”

Councilor Van Essen made reference to public dialogue that has been contrary to allowing the use of strychnine, stating that it is severely regulated and there will be tight protocols and that County staff have taken training, anyone who wishes to use it will be taking training, and the County is thankful for the opportunity to use it where needed.

Councillor Van Essen then made a motion that Lethbridge County Council Lethbridge County Council authorize the Agricultural Service Board department to become a registered vendor for the sale and distribution of strychnine to eligible producers within Lethbridge County. 

Councillor Hickey inquired about what the liabilities would be if the strychnine was ultimately misused. Administration was clear that according to provincial and federal regulations, there are substantial fines for users who misuse the chemical and that the County was ‘confident’ in their ability to encourage appropriate use and mitigate risks, as users have to become certified, show why they want it, and get approved to use it.

“I just want to acknowledge the appreciation I have for everyone who continued to lobby to bring this back as one of the tools that our producers can use to mitigate Richardson ground squirrels and pests of that nature,” said Councilor Kuerbis. “I think even our producers are very much aware of the reality that this could be taken away again, so I hope they take it with all the seriousness that it deserves.”

Councilor Van Essen’s motion was ultimately carried.