Petition for new "Indigo Alert" system to protect vulnerable missing persons tops 10,000 signatures

A parliamentary petition (e-7703) calling for an “Indigo Alert” to warn the public when vulnerable individuals disappear has quickly amassed over 10,000 signatures after being introduced in the House of Commons last month. The campaign was started by Jennifer Ball, whose autistic child motivated the effort following the fatal disappearance of 11-year-old Parker Wells, whose case fell outside the usual Amber Alert criteria.

MP Mike Lake, who sponsored the petition, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre—both fathers of autistic children—have publicly endorsed the proposal, which also enjoys support from the Autism Alliance of Canada and other parties. The petition’s momentum reflects broad public backing, and once it passes the 500-signature threshold it will be scheduled for a House reading, obliging the government to reply within 45 days.

While alert protocols are federally coordinated, implementation would require provincial and territorial adoption. Ball says the effort raises awareness of autism and the gaps in current alert systems, and she will continue advocacy regardless of the outcome.