An extensive operation to cull a flock of ostriches on a British Columbia farm last year has resulted in a staggering financial burden of almost CAD 7 million for Canadian taxpayers. This revelation comes from inquiries raised by Scott Anderson, the Member of Parliament for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee, who received a detailed financial breakdown from various government ministers, including those overseeing Agriculture, Justice, and Public Safety.
Breakdown of Costs
The total expenditure related to the ostrich culling operation amounted to CAD 6,810,846. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) accounted for a significant portion of this cost, with salaries for its employees reaching CAD 339,497. Additional expenses included CAD 13,780 for animal feed and CAD 148,249 for facilities. Furthermore, supplies such as water, specialised equipment, straw, and delivery contributed an additional CAD 380,397.
Professional services, encompassing the destruction and disposal of the ostriches alongside cybersecurity measures, totalled CAD 482,734. The overall financial commitment associated with the CFIA was found to be CAD 1,596,517. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food noted that the cybersecurity costs stemmed from threats directed at CFIA personnel across the country, necessitating enhanced security protocols at several offices.
Legal and Policing Expenses
The Department of Justice reported that legal proceedings related to the ostrich farm incurred approximately CAD 1.38 million, which covered litigation and support services. Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported expenditures amounting to CAD 3,834,329. These expenses included costs for personnel, transportation, telecommunications, as well as professional and special services.
Notably, the Minister of Public Safety cautioned that these figures only reflect expenditures recorded in the financial system as of December 9, 2025. There are pending costs, such as overtime claims, that have yet to be included and may significantly inflate the total expenditure once the fiscal year concludes.
The Culling Incident
The culling of the ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., took place in November 2025, following an unsuccessful legal challenge mounted by the farm to prevent the operation. This controversial decision has drawn criticism, with some family members alleging that the actions taken by authorities amounted to a “war” against the birds, executed in the dead of night.
Why it Matters
The financial implications of the ostrich cull operation raise crucial questions about government spending and resource allocation in agricultural management. With nearly CAD 7 million being diverted to this single incident, taxpayers are left to ponder the efficiency and necessity of such extensive actions. As Canada navigates its agricultural policies and animal welfare regulations, the need for transparent communication and judicious use of public funds has never been more pressing.
