Manitoba police will soon be able to access vital information more quickly in their search for missing people as a result of proclamation of the Missing Persons Act. This announcement was made by Justice Minister Andrew Swan.
“In a missing persons case, time is always a critical factor,” said Swan. “This new act gives police the information they need to search more quickly and effectively with the goal of reuniting missing people and their loved ones as soon as possible.”
The act, which comes into effect on May 29, allows police to access store surveillance footage as well as telephone, Internet or banking information linked to the missing person. There is currently no other way for police to collect this information without evidence a crime has been committed.
The act and supporting regulations contain safeguards limiting the use of the information collected and comply with Manitoba privacy laws. Police will also be required to report annually on how they have used certain information obtained under the act to ensure transparency and accountability to Manitobans.
Manitoba and Alberta will be the only provinces in Canada with this type of legislation in place to help find missing people more quickly, Swan said.
He also noted that Manitoba has joined other western provinces to proclaim May 5 to 11 as Missing Persons Week.
“Education about the issue of missing persons is a key aspect of prevention,” said Swan. “Promoting awareness will strengthen prevention and our ability to reunite missing people with their families and loved ones.”
To report a missing person, or to share information about a missing person with police, Manitobans should contact their local law enforcement agency.
