On Jan. 23, the company pleaded guilty to contravening Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

On May 26 and 27, 2021, an Orkin employee was observed applying the pesticide Rozol RTU directly into gopher holes or burrows. The employee was not a registered pesticide applicator for the class of pesticide into which Rozol RTU falls.

The application of the pesticide occurred directly adjacent to an off-leash park in the city of Calgary. Orkin was sentenced to a $27,500 penalty consisting of:

  • $27,000 towards a creative sentencing project for the board of governors of Lakeland College. The college will develop a national pesticide application certification manual and exam as well as structural and fumigation pesticide application certification examinations.
  • $500 fine inclusive of the victim surcharge.

Quick facts

  • More than 7,000 pesticide products containing more than 600 active ingredients are registered for use in Canada.
  • Pesticide legislation is in place to ensure pesticide application in Alberta is conducted in a safe and effective manner that does not affect other people or the environment.
  • Alberta Environment and Protected Areas conducts routine inspections and responds to complaints about improper pesticide management.
  • Pesticide legislation in Alberta requires specific certification and registration to ensure that pesticide service providers are trained and knowledgeable in the safe and lawful application of pesticides.
  • If you have information about a spill, release or emergency that could damage the environment, call 1-800-222-6514, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.