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CTV News
16-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Alberta celebrates 75 years of being rat free
Alberta is known for many things – oil, beef and rats. Or rather, lack thereof. Officials have been diligent for the last 75 years, keeping wild rose country free of rats. 'Rats are a worldwide menace that destroy property and spread disease,' said RJ Sigurdson, minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, in a statement Wednesday. 'For three quarters of a century, Alberta has proudly been one of the few jurisdictions on Earth to live without the pest.' RATS Alberta Department of Public Health rat poster from 1946. (Provincial Archives of Alberta) Karen Wickerson, the province's rat and pest specialist, said the program essentially runs the same way it did when it started in 1950. 'When the program started, rats were declared an agricultural pest in Alberta,' said Wickerson. 'That means every Albertan is required to control them if they have them on their property. Under the Agricultural Pest Act, municipalities are also required to ensure rats are controlled and eradicated. RATS Mr. Brown, Provincial Entomologist Office, Rat Patrol. (Provincial Archive of Alberta) It is also illegal to own a pet rat under the act. When Wickerson gets a report of a rat, she will contact the local municipality which has a designated pest control officer. The officer will investigate further, setting up trail cameras. 'As far as technology, there have been great strides in monitoring rats,' said Wickerson. Historically, the province has been mainly concerned with rats at the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, but these days, there has been an increase of rats hitching rides on vehicles from our neighbours to the east as well as in southern B.C. RATS "Rats Are Coming" poster from 1950. (Provincial Archives of Alberta) Last year, Wickerson and her assistant saw 600 rat reports, of which only five per cent were confirmed. 'Muskrats and mice are kind of tied for number one misidentified critter in Alberta for a rat,' said Wickerson, adding there are a few other species that are also mistaken for rats. Wickerson said she has talked to people from around the world who are fascinated with the province's rat control program. 'It's great to be part of a program that people are so proud of.' With files from CTV News Edmonton's Mariam Valdes-Carletti.


CBC
04-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Alberta government calls for strychnine ban reversal to fight 'destructive force' of gophers
Strychnine had long been the preferred pesticide for gopher control in Alberta — until the federal government began to phase out its use on Richardson's ground squirrels in 2020 and then banned it outright in 2024. The Government of Alberta is now calling for the controversial poison to be unbanned by the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). "Alberta's farmers and ranchers are in crisis," reads an open letter released through social media on June 27, signed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson and Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow. The letter, addressed to federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, calls for Ottawa "to immediately reverse the PMRA decision and reinstate the production and sale of strychnine for [Richardson's ground squirrel] control." Richardson's ground squirrels, known colloquially as gophers, "are a destructive force across the prairie provinces, threatening cereal, oilseed, pulse, forage, pasture, and horticultural crops," the letter reads. According to the province, "the annual risk to hay and native pasture [due to damage caused by ground squirrels] exceeds $800 million." A provincial spokesperson was not available for an interview ahead of publication. In his post alongside the letter, the agriculture minister wrote that farmers "are being forced to fight this plague without their most effective tool," referring to strychnine. "This isn't just a rural issue — it's a national food security issue. Without immediate federal action, we're staring down widespread crop failure in 2026 and a serious hit to Canada's food supply chain," Sigurdson wrote. Sigurdson's constituency office did not respond to an interview request ahead of publication. Why was strychnine banned? Ahead of the initial ban on strychnine's use on Richardson's ground squirrels in 2020, the use of the rodenticide underwent a re-evaluation by Health Canada in 2018. An evaluation of the highly-potent neurotoxin's use "confirmed that there are risks of concern for non-target organisms," according to the PMRA. "Health Canada acknowledges the value of strychnine to agricultural users because it is easy to use, cost effective and kills [Richardson's ground squirrels] in a single feeding [but] the primary mandate of Health Canada is to prevent unacceptable risk to individuals and the environment from the use of pest control products," the PMRA wrote in its 2020 decision. The agency pointed to the environmental risks associated with strychnine, including potential harm to species-at-risk such as burrowing owls and swift foxes, and concluded through a scientific review that those risks "were not shown to be acceptable," the agency wrote. Prior to the decision, the use of strychnine on all other ground squirrel species with the exception of Richardson's ground squirrels had been discontinued by the manufacturer. Alberta and Saskatchewan were the only provinces in which the use of strychnine to control gophers was authorized. The 2020 decision resulted in strychnine's use on Richardson's ground squirrels being phased out over the course of the next three years, with the ban taking effect in 2023. But while strychnine was banned for use on gophers, using it kill predators like wolves and black bears, as well as skunks, remained legal solely in Alberta. All uses of strychnine were banned nationwide in 2024 through another PMRA decision. "Health Canada found that strychnine uses did not meet the requirements for protection of the environment and is cancelling all uses," the PMRA wrote. Outside of Canada, the European Union has banned the use of strychnine as a rodenticide since 2006. The substance is still used to control gophers in the United States, though its use is regulated. What gopher control looks like today Sigurdson wrote that the strychnine ban "has left producers without viable alternatives" to control gophers. Today, gopher populations can be managed by farmers through options like shooting and legal rodenticides. Vulcan County farmer Ian Webber told CBC News that he's been using a chlorophacinone product as an alternative to strychnine, but that it isn't as effective. "It lacks that kick that strychnine had," he said. "There were times where you go out and poison a bunch of holes and … there's no gophers, you've got them. And then with the other options, they just don't seem to quite do the job." Webber, who grows canola, wheat, barley and more on his farm, said he's had to adapt his growing strategy due to the gopher problem. He called canola a gopher's "meal ticket," adding that he alternates which crops he grows in certain parts of the field to make up for gophers going after the canola. "Depending on the year, if you've got a field that is really bad, you can be into the tens of thousands of dollars of damage," he said, adding that time and effort spent controlling gophers is another expense. Webber said he would welcome the opportunity to use strychnine again. "It's just an efficient and effective tool in the toolbox," he said. "You want as many tools as you can to go after a problem that you're facing,and that's just one extra tool that would help." In neighbouring Foothills County, cattle rancher Ben Campbell said he tries to use natural inhibitors on his farm to keep gopher numbers down. "We don't shoot coyotes, we don't shoot badgers," he said. Encouraging predators to hunt gophers on his property has helped Campbell manage the rodents. "If [a badger] is in your field, it's eating gophers. That's the only thing it's doing," he said. "I found them to be very effective at stopping the gopher population from getting out of control." But he hasn't had as much luck with predators lately, making it necessary to use rodenticide. "In years gone by, we've used strychnine," he said. "It has been fairly effective, but of course there's always a concern." Citing concerns around potentially poisoning other animals, he said he's happy to use safer alternatives like zinc phosphate, which he said has been an "extremely effective" solution over the last two years. "I feel a lot better using that because I'm not worried about killing my natural predators or my neighbour's dogs," he said. Campbell said he would "never" switch back to strychnine, adding that the substance's ban has had a positive impact for him. "I think if strychnine was still legal, I and everyone else would just use it because it's the best and you just want to be effective," he said. "But now that I've been forced to use something else, I'm actually quite happy with it." The Government of Alberta's Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation classifies Richardson's ground squirrels as "nuisances" rather than "pests." The primary difference is that pests — such as rats, grasshoppers and gypsy moths — must be actively managed, while nuisances like coyotes, magpies and ground squirrels may be controlled at the landowner's discretion.


GMA Network
10-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
What's so good about Canadian beef? A Makati hotel answers with a special limited-time menu
Culinary enthusiasts know beef is never just beef. There's the cut, marbling, grading, and even where it came from. Canada is making the case for its premium quality beef and Flame Restaurant of Makati's Discovery Primea is on it with a limited time special menu called "Fire & Flavor: A Culinary Collaboration." It features dishes utilizing Canadian beef, prepared by Chef Luis Chikiamko. At the launch of the menu, Honorable RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Alberta, Canada, Alberta's beef is sought after across the globe by consumers and chefs alike. 'It is world-renowned for its rich, delicious flavor and consistently high quality. It truly is the best beef that you can eat. Not only does it taste great, but Alberta beef is also grass-fed and grain-finished, which means it's packed full of essential nutrients and vitamins," he said. He also proudly shared that Canadian beef is valued for its superior flavor, as well as for adhering to strict health, safety, and quality standards. 'You can feel good about eating Alberta beef knowing exactly what you're consuming: healthy, nutritious, and delicious food,' he said. 'Alberta is committed to exporting our high-quality beef products to the Philippines for consumers to enjoy, whether it's during a hotel stay, enjoying a meal at a restaurant, or buying some Alberta beef products at supermarkets to enjoy at home with your families.' Diners can choose from the appetizers: the Beef Tartare (P1,800) or the Vietnamese beef salad (P880) made with grilled Canadian chuck, carrots, red onions, vermicelli, chili, cilantro, nuoc cham peanuts, and bean sprouts. Signature mains include the Duo of Canadian Beef (P2800), the Josper-grilled Short Ribs 'Kare-Kare' (P2,200) inspired by the Filipino dish it's named after, and the Korean BBQ Rib Fingers (P1,800) which features tender Canadian beef rib fingers with gochujang, baby potatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. For steak selections, available are the dry-aged Angus rib eye steak, boneless (P5500 for 300g); Canada Prime rib eye steak, boneless 300g (P3800 for 300g); Canada AAA rib eye steak, bone-in (P2800 for 300g); and Canada short loin bone-in (P2900 for 300g). 'Fire & Flavor: A Culinary Collaboration' runs until July 7, 2025. — LA, GMA Integrated News Flame Restaurant is located on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea at Ayala Avenue in Makati City. It is open from Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, contact +63 2 7955 8888 or email

CBC
23-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Alberta's largest cattle industry lender to restart loan program after province lifts order
The Alberta government says loans will resume at Picture Butte Feeder Cooperative, the province's largest cattle financing co-op, now that it's compliant with the rules on feeder associations. The PBFC is part of the province's Feeders Association Loan Guarantee (FALG) Program , which helps livestock producers get easier access to loans. Earlier this year, then-minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, signed an order that stated the province would prohibit the co-op from issuing further advances to its members under the program. An inspection had alleged a number of regulatory and financial mismanagement issues. The entire board subsequently resigned, and a restructuring officer, Alvarez & Marsal, was appointed to oversee PBFC's operations and work toward lifting the loan suspension. The order was rescinded on May 1, according to the province. "The co-operative, working under Alvarez and Marsal Canada's sound management, has brought its operations into compliance with the rules governing feeder associations. It is now compliant with the rules on feeder associations and is being operated soundly," reads a statement from the Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. "On Monday, May 26, producers can confidently apply for and receive loans from the PBFC as it resumes full operations. "The government will continue to provide oversight of and advice to the PBFC — and other feeder co-operatives — to ensure the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program continues with its success." An 'exceptionally trying time' The Feeder Association of Alberta, the provincial umbrella organization, said the past few months have been "an exceptionally trying time for the many members of PBFC that have had their operations put on hold through no fault of their own." "We recognize the pace of business has no sympathy for interruptions and acknowledge the very tough financial position members were placed in," the organization wrote in a release issued Thursday. George L'Heureux, a spokesperson for the Feeder Association of Alberta, said it will be "business as usual" starting Monday morning, with normal lending scheduled that day. "For the producers, boots on the ground, it's been very challenging … waiting and not knowing is huge, and not being able to do business as usual was quite a hardship on quite a few," he said. The co-op will still be run by the receiver for the time being. According to Alvarez & Marsal, a new local supervisor, Cody McBride, has been appointed. Efforts are underway to run a fair and transparent election to appoint a new board of directors, the receiver added. The co-operative is based in "Feedlot Alley," located in southern Alberta.


Calgary Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
'An exceptionally trying time': Province lifts order preventing Picture Butte Feeders Coop from making loans to members
After being banned by the province from lending money to members for about four months, the Picture Butte Feeder Co-operative is getting back in business. Article content Article content Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson issued an order Jan. 27 preventing the co-operative from making any new loans under the government-backed Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee (FALG) program. Article content Article content That order was lifted May 1, following the co-operative's operations being brought back into compliance with the requirements of the Feeder Associations Guarantee Act (FAGA) and the Feeder Associations Guarantee Regulation (FAGR). Article content Article content On Monday, the Picture Butte Feeder Co-operative will resume providing loans to eligible members. Article content 'This has been an exceptionally trying time for the many members of PBFC that have had their operations put on hold through no fault of their own,' Feeder Associations of Alberta chair George L'Heureux said in a statement on Thursday. Article content 'We recognize the pace of business has no sympathy for interruptions and acknowledge the very tough financial position members were placed in.' Article content The Picture Butte Feeder Cooperative, the largest of the province's 45 feeder associations, helps members buy livestock through the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee program, which, according to the province, provides access to low-interest, leveraged financing backed by a government guarantee. Article content Article content As of Aug. 31, 2024, PBFC had 227 active and inactive members. Article content Alvarez & Marsal Canada, along with lenders and regulatory authorities, have taken steps to ensure the association is approved to operate, said the Feeder Associations of Alberta. Article content A new supervisor, Cody McBride, who has more than 25 years of expertise in the agriculture and financial sectors, has been hired,and profit payments are being processed. Article content But the Feeder Associations of Alberta says there's still work to do, including an election for a new board of directors. Article content With the order now lifted, Alvarez & Marsal Canada has turned its attention back to hiring an administrator, a role it says it has largely being doing. In a Thursday update to PBFC members, the restructuring officer said it has narrowed its search to a couple of qualified candidates.