Encouraging Albertans to "Rat on Rats!"
News release
November 5, 2024 – Edmonton, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
A new campaign is reminding Albertans to do their part to help keep Alberta rat-free.
For more than 70 years, Alberta has proudly been rat-free, meaning the province prevents the pest from establishing a permanent population while swiftly dealing with any infestations. That famous designation is thanks to the hard work and dedication of Rat Control Program staff, and all Albertans can do their part by reporting rat signs and sightings.
Through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funding to the Alberta Invasive Species Council, the governments of Canada and Alberta are reminding Albertans to “Rat on Rats!”
The $110,000 investment will fund billboards and outreach materials encouraging Albertans to report rats and rat signs, as well as application training workshops. To celebrate the launch, the Alberta Invasive Species Council will be holding a forum at 11 am November 5.
While many regions around the world face growing rat populations, Alberta stands apart thanks to its proactive approach and commitment to rat control. Rats often hitchhike into Alberta on vehicles, cargo, and equipment, making it crucial for everyone to recognize that these pests are not native or established here.
Quotes
“Managing invasive species and pests, like rats, is an important part of keeping our food chain safe and productive. This campaign will help keep Alberta proudly rat-free, so our farmers can focus on what they do best – feeding Canadians and the world.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Alberta is famously rat-free, a status we owe not just to the hard work and dedication of Rat Control staff over many decades, but also to the vigilance of Albertans. This campaign will educate and remind Albertans to do their part to keep the pest out of our province.”
- RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
“Alberta’s rat control program is an incredible success story. Our Rat on Rats! campaign builds on this and calls on all Albertans to help keep Alberta rat-free—if you see a rat, report it immediately! We all have a role to play in protecting Alberta from the impacts of invasive species.”
- Megan Evans, executive director, Alberta Invasive Species Council
Quick facts
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Funding is provided through Sustainable CAP’s Resiliency and Public Trust initiative.
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Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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Albertans can report rats or rat sightings by emailing rats@gov.ab.ca or calling 310-FARM (3276).
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Last year, Albertans reported 450 rat sightings, 23 of which were confirmed rats.
- The majority, 158, were muskrats.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613‑773‑7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Darby Crouch
Press Secretary, Agriculture and Irrigation
darby.crouch@gov.ab.ca
587-335-6934
Paige Kuczmarski
Invasive Species Technician, Alberta Invasive Species Council
communications@abinvasives.ca
780-318-0708
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