Sept. 20, 2022

Department Historian offers perspectives on Alberta’s “Rat Patrol” in CBC documentary

Exploring a uniquely Albertan success story

George Colpitts, an historian in the Department of History, provides commentary on the history of Alberta’s “Rat Patrol” in Ted Stenson’s documentary Living Without Menace being released on CBC Gem on September 23rd and broadcast in Alberta and BC on CBC on September 24, 2022 at 8PM. For over 70 years, Alberta’s rat-free status has been the subject of curiosity for people across the world. Filmmaker Ted Stenson explores the history of Alberta’s “War on Rats” and what he sees as an opportunity “to explore a uniquely Albertan success story” while posing questions about the capacities and responsibilities humans have to control nature.