Advocates rally in Regina to push for Indigo Alert system for vulnerable Canadians

Hundreds gathered at the Regina Legislature on Saturday to push for creation of Indigo Alert Canada, a proposed emergency alert system modelled on Amber Alert but designed for missing people who cannot self-rescue — those with autism, dementia, Alzheimer's, or other disabilities prone to wandering.

The campaign began with Katie Emde, a Calgary mother whose non-verbal autistic son died this summer. Parker Wells, 11, wandered from his day home in Calgary in July and was found two weeks later in a water pipe under Deerfoot Trail after a tip about his shoe sent search teams to the area. Alberta has since announced it will review its emergency alert criteria following his death.

"This is a movement that is getting national traction across Canada in hopes to have a federal alert system put in place to help support those that are vulnerable in our communities across Canada; to make sure that if they elope or wander that they are brought home safely," Emde told the crowd.

The distinction between Indigo Alert and the existing Amber Alert is crucial. "Amber Alerts' perimeters are around abduction," Emde explained. "This would be for vulnerable individuals in the spectrum of disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer's, and there's no age cap."

Michelle Ring, whose autistic grandson wandered away, attended the rally. "I want my grandson to be safe, and I want people to be educated and to really embrace this because it will save a life," Ring said. "I am so grateful that this is happening, and I really hope that the politicians and those that need to hear it really take this seriously and do and enact it. It's so needed."

Aly Rapinchuk, an advocate for Saskatchewan Indigo Alert, underscored why the current system falls short. "It's important for me personally as there are so many vulnerable individuals in our community who could go missing and, if they're not abducted, the Amber Alert typically won't cover them without special permission."

Emde hopes Saturday's rally in Regina is the first of many across the country. "The point of having rallies is to not only bring awareness, but bring people together so they are able to connect with each other, educate and share their stories. Because without their stories, we have no idea what's happening in our communities." A petition is available to sign at Indigo Alert Canada.