Advocates gather in Regina urging creation of Indigo Alert for vulnerable Canadians

Advocates gather in Regina urging creation of Indigo Alert for vulnerable Canadians

Focus would be on people dealing with disabilities, dementia and age

Residents gathered at the Regina Legislature on Saturday to support the creation of Indigo Alert Canada, a system that would be similar to the Amber Alert for missing children but focus on those who rely on caregiver support, cannot self-rescue or are prone to wander into danger.

It's a campaign started by a Calgary mother of a non-verbal autistic child, and also comes after this summer's death of autistic and non-verbal Parker Wells, 11, in Calgary.

The campaign has turned into "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," said Katie Emde, national director of advocacy and operations for Indigo Alert Canada.

An Indigo Alert would be distinct from an Amber Alert, she says.

"Amber Alerts' perimeters are … around abduction. This would be for vulnerable individuals in the spectrum of disabilities, dementia, Alzheimer's, and there's no age cap," Emde said.

Michelle Ring, who attended the rally, says the alert would have helped after her autistic grandson wandered away.

"I want my grandson to be safe," she said, "and I want people to be educated and to really embrace this because it will save a life. So it's very, very important to me," Ring said.

"I am so grateful that this is happening." she continued, "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."

Emde hopes more rallies will pop up 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," Emde said. "Because without their stories, we have no idea what's happening in our communities."

Aly Rapinchuk, an advocate for Saskatchewan Indigo Alert, says its implementation would save lives.

"[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," Rapinchuk said.

Those hoping to see the alert enacted across Canada can sign a petition at Indigo Alert Canada.

Randi LaRocque is a Métis woman working as a reporter with CBC Saskatchewan. She can be reached at randi.larocque@cbc.ca