Alberta Emergency Alert System icon. Web image via gov.ab.ca
EDMONTON — Alberta is reviewing its emergency alert system and the care provided to 11-year-old Parker Wells following his death, with the province looking for ways to improve the response when vulnerable people go missing.
Public Safety and Emergency Services says it will consult law enforcement agencies, disability advocates and community organizations about emergency alert procedures, including the Amber Alert system and its current criteria.
The review follows the death of Wells and will examine how existing emergency alerts are used when a vulnerable person goes missing and whether changes should be considered.
“Parker’s death is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts remain with his family and everyone who knew and loved him,” Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis said.
“We want to make sure we learn from what happened.”
Feedback from police, advocates and community partners will be used to develop options for the provincial government to consider.
Alberta’s Assisted Living and Social Services ministry will conduct a separate review of the policies, procedures and protocols followed by the service provider responsible for Wells’ care when he went missing.
Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Nathan Neudorf said the province will consider recommendations arising from the review as it looks at protections for vulnerable children.
“We will carefully review what happened and consider all recommendations to strengthen protections for vulnerable children,” Neudorf said.
The provincial work will take place alongside an operational and investigative review being conducted by the Calgary Police Service.
Police-issued emergency alerts in Alberta are distributed through the Alberta Emergency Alert system when established activation criteria are met.
The system is governed by an agreement involving Public Safety and Emergency Services, the RCMP and municipal and First Nation police services.127
Police currently have access to Amber Alerts and civil emergency alerts, depending on the circumstances and whether the criteria for issuing an alert have been met.
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