Regardless of the species, it's best not to import it to begin with.
If you do continue, however, to try to import the colony, you should at the very least submit an authorization form with the CFIA.
From their website:
When authorization is not requiredYou are not required to apply for an authorization in any of the following situations:
- the specimens are dead or otherwise non-viable
- the specimens are listed in Appendix 1 to D-12-02 as "No Permit to Import Required" for the end use and country of origin concerned
- the specimens will be obtained or collected in Canada and do not fall into one of these three categories:
- the organism is on the list of Pests Regulated by Canada
- the specimens, or progeny thereof, were originally collected outside of Canada (unless listed in Appendix 1 as described above)
- the organism is reported for the first time in Canada
- In response to a previous application, you have a letter issued to you by the CFIA advising that an authorization is not required in the same circumstances. However, if the letter does not specify an expiry date and is more than three years old, an application should be submitted.
Well, the colony wouldn't be dead, fire ants aren't listed as "No Permit Required," and I'm assuming you've not submitted an application before.
As such, your situation would best fall under the third bullet point: the colony will be obtained or collected in Canada. Rather obviously, this colony was obtained outside of the country, nullifying any hope of sneaking past the application process under that bullet point.
So, yeah. At the very least, submit an application. It ain't that hard.
