My heart sank this week when an autistic child went missing here in Calgary. As a parent of an autistic child, the fear and worry are unbearable. When my child leaves the house, I constantly worry about their safety. This situation hit too close to home when it came to light that several community members saw the missing child, not knowing he was missing until the alert was issued—two days later. In these crucial moments, time is of the essence, and losing two days can make all the difference between relief and tragedy.

Autistic, neurodivergent, and mentally challenged individuals are especially vulnerable when they go missing. They may be unable to communicate their distress or find their way back home. It is essential that immediate alerts, similar to the Amber Alerts used for abducted children, are issued for missing neurodivergent individuals. This will not only notify the community faster but also increase the chance of a safe return by allowing everyone to be vigilant and assist in the search efforts.

The Government of Alberta did approve an emergency alert in this recent case, but the delay jeopardizes the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals. What we need is an immediate response/ Emergency alert as soon as a report is made, ensuring that every passing moment is effectively addressed. Having a rapid system in place will reduce the risk and give all parents the peace of mind that help is on the way the moment they need it.

We urge the local authorities and the Government of Alberta to implement an immediate alert system for individuals with autism and related conditions who go missing. Let’s act before it’s too late rather than regretting what might happen when time isn't on our side.

Please sign this petition to support the immediate implementation of an alert system that will save lives and provide reassurance to families like mine who live under the constant threat of such dangers. Together, we can make Alberta a safer place for everyone.