Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Wildlife Act Review

Controlled Alien Species Regulation

Information for Educational and Research Institutions Possessing Controlled Alien Species

What will be considered an educational institution?
For the purposes of Controlled Alien Species Legislation, Ministry of Environment's Fish and Wildlife Branch considers an educational institution to be a registered BC College or University recognized by the Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) that intentionally facilitates learning toward identified goals to the extent that the Education Institution provides predictable and organized learning opportunities.
What will be considered a research institution?
For the purposes of Controlled Alien Species Legislation, Ministry of Environment's Fish and Wildlife Branch considers a research institution to be an institution that uses Controlled Alien Species specifically for research purposes, where the institution conducts research that meets or exceeds the standard for animal care and use as outlined in the Canadian Council on Animal Care s Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals and disseminates their results in scientific journals.
What activities will an educational or research institutions be able to continue?
- Possession of Controlled Alien Species as outlined in their CAS permit
- Shipping and transporting of Controlled Alien Species, accompanied with the permit
- Breeding Controlled Alien Species (with approved management plan)
What activities will an educational or research institution be PROHIBITED from doing?
- Releasing Controlled Alien Species
- Breaching a condition of their CAS permit
When can educational or research institutions apply for their possession permits?
The Permit Authorization Service Bureau will begin accepting applications for permits after November 1, 2009.
How much will a permit cost?
There is currently no charge for permits.

All owners of Controlled Alien Species will require a permit by April 1, 2010.

Key Dates:

November 1, 2009: Applications are available for permits to possess a Controlled Alien Species. You must have your permit in place to possess any current Controlled Alien Species by April 1, 2010.

February 1, 2010: The last date to submit your permit application to the Ministry of Environment, to ensure compliance with the regulation, and obtain your permit before the April 1, 2010 deadline.

April 1, 2010: If you are in possession of a controlled alien species without a permit, you may be subject to a penalty for violating the new restrictions. Please read the permit application and conditions carefully for a full outline of annual requirements.

Click here for a Permit Application form.