NEWS RELEASE
DOUG DOWNEY, MPP BARRIE-SPRINGWATER-ORO-MEDONTE
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Last month, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones made an announcement highlighting the proclamation of The Missing Persons Act.
Starting July 1, 2019, The Missing Persons Act provides police services across the province enhanced investigation abilities for missing persons reports where there is no evidence of criminal activity found.
In the past, these kinds of reports were extremely difficult for police to investigate, as they were limited in what tools they were able to use. This new legislation helps police services by allowing them to:
- Obtain copies of records that may assist in the search (medical, financial, cellphone, travel, etc.)
- Obtain a court order to allow entry into a premises to search for a missing person
- Make an urgent demand for records without a court order in certain urgent circumstances
The act sets out a number of guidelines and tests to ensure the privacy of those involved are protected. It requires the police and courts to consider whether there is evidence that the individual in question does not want to be found. The Act is also very specific about what information can, and cannot be disclosed before, and after the person has been located.
When asked about the legislation, Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte said, “This is an important change that will keep Ontarians safe and save lives. While it will certainly help criminal investigations, this change will also ensure investigations into non- criminal disappearances such as a senior with dementia wandering away are done with every possible tool needed to get that person home safely.”
"It is horrific when a loved one is missing, and we want to ensure that our police services have access to the tools they need in order to do their jobs," said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. "The Missing Persons Act is a major enhancement to help our local police officers have the ability to look into cases easier and faster without as many roadblocks."
Simcoe North MPP, Jill Dunlop commented, “Our government believes in ensuring our loved ones who go missing are found quickly. We want to give police the right tools to assist them in finding people who may have gone missing while also protecting their privacy. This legislation is consistent with a recommendation from the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Our government will continue to work with Indigenous communities to inform our policies and efforts that will help locate missing persons.”
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