New Brunswick advocates join call for emergency alerts for vulnerable missing people

Calls are growing in New Brunswick for a dedicated emergency alert system for vulnerable missing individuals, spurred by the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy with autism. Parker, who was non-verbal, went missing from his Calgary day home, leading to an extensive search. Although police obtained special permission to issue an Amber Alert, which is typically for abductions, they stated no abduction evidence existed. Provincial legislation restricts Amber Alerts to specific criteria. Parker's body was later found in a network of pipes after investigators determined he might have entered a culvert. His condition underscores the need for specialized alerts. Deb McDonald, executive director of the Community Autism Centre Inc. in Saint John, stated such a system is the "most common sense thing to do" and must include all ages, as autism affects individuals across the lifespan. She noted her 36-year-old son is also non-verbal. A national online petition advocating for emergency messages for categories including neurodivergent children has garnered over 24,000 signatures. Chrystal Venator, whose 11-year-old son Stalen also has complex medical needs and is non-verbal, signed the petition. She stressed that "when we have instances like this where a vulnerable person goes missing, time is really of the essence and so that is why we are pushing for this alert system." Venator also utilizes a radio frequency tracking device, part of the Project Lifesaver program, for Stalen in case he wanders. Bradley Parker, executive search manager with York-Sunbury Search and Rescue, confirmed these devices are invaluable, acting like a "magic wand" to track individuals from kilometers away, significantly aiding search efforts. However, Venator pointed out limitations, including accessibility issues and potential sensory sensitivities that might prevent vulnerable individuals from wearing the devices.

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No doubt about it, it must be for all ages because autism is about all ages.