 In the spring of 1761, the first season when the fur trade could be re-established west of Montreal, he was already seeking permission from the Privy Council to send gunpowder to Canada for the Indian trade.During the period of military government of Canada, when severe restrictions were placed on the fur trade, Strettell was one of the London merchants who signed petitions to the Colonial Office, seeking relaxation of the regulations.He represented the "Canada merchants" who petitioned for the abolition of the Stamp Act and other offensive duties in 1765, and he led the effort to remove James Murray from the governorship of Quebec.