In Alberta, provincial government ministries support the pest management industry through regulation, certification, compliance oversight, and pest prevention programs. Alberta Environment and Protected Areas oversees pesticide use requirements, applicator certification, and regulatory compliance, while Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation leads programs related to agricultural pests, including Alberta’s Rat Control Program.
Who You’ll Meet…
Alberta Environment & Protected Areas
Pesticide Approvals & Registration Specialist
Devon Smiegielski
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
Karen Wickerson
Invasive Species & Pest Control Specialist, Alberta Rat Control Program
Pesticide Certification Specialist
Tanya Rushcall
Garrett Girletz
Assistant Rat & Pest Control Specialist, Alberta Rat Control Program
Alberta government staff regularly contribute updates, guidance, and educational content through APMA newsletters, education events, and regulatory communications.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas oversees provincial pesticide requirements, including pesticide service registration, application rules, and compliance with Alberta’s pesticide regulations and code of practice. These requirements help protect human health, safety, and the environment while supporting responsible pest management practices.
Alberta Pesticide Regulation
Alberta’s pesticide regulatory framework focuses on how pesticides are sold, handled, stored, and applied within the province. While Health Canada is responsible for registering pesticide products and approving product labels, Alberta sets provincial requirements for certification, service registration, vendor/dispenser requirements, and safe application practices.
In Alberta, pesticide applicators, dispensers, and businesses offering pesticide services may be required to hold the appropriate certification or registration depending on the type of pesticide and service being provided. Alberta also provides guidance around pesticide use near water, sensitive sites, public lands, and other regulated settings.
Alberta Rat Control Program
Alberta has maintained a province-wide Rat Control Program since the 1950s, helping prevent the establishment of rat populations through monitoring, education, and rapid response. The program is managed through Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and works with municipalities, landowners, industry, and pest management professionals to keep Alberta rat-free.
Certification and Training
Applicator certification requirements are part of Alberta’s provincial pesticide framework, with certification programming administered through Lakeland College. Certification is required for many commercial pesticide application activities, and applicators must hold the appropriate class of certificate for the work they perform.