Missing Persons in Canada
Every year, thousands of missing person reports are filed in Canada. Most cases are resolved quickly, often within days, but some remain open for months or years and leave lasting impacts on families, friends, and communities.
According to the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR), Canadian police receive tens of thousands of missing person reports annually. Many involve children or youth who are reported missing more than once, which means the number of reports is higher than the number of individual missing people.
While the majority of missing persons are located safely, long-term missing persons cases continue to affect families across the country. Missing persons investigations can involve many circumstances, including mental health concerns, addiction, family conflict, medical conditions, accidents, exploitation, or criminal activity. Each case is unique and should be treated with care and accuracy.
Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people are disproportionately represented in unresolved missing persons and homicide cases in Canada. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls documented longstanding systemic issues contributing to this crisis. Discussions about these cases should always be approached respectfully and based on verified information.
Common Reasons People Are Reported Missing
People may be reported missing for many reasons. Recognizing the range of circumstances helps families, communities, and investigators respond with the right kind of support.
- Mental health crises
- Family or relationship conflict
- Youth runaway situations
- Medical emergencies or cognitive conditions
- Addiction or substance use
- Natural disasters or accidents
- Human trafficking or exploitation
- Communication breakdowns or unexpected travel interruptions
What To Do If Someone Goes Missing
If you believe someone is missing, take action right away. The steps below help police start an effective search.
- Contact your local police service immediately.
- Provide recent photographs and identifying information.
- Share details about medical conditions, medications, or known risks.
- Gather information about recent communications or locations.
- Stay in contact with investigators and support organizations.
Trusted Canadian Resources
The following national organizations provide official information, support, and tools related to missing persons in Canada.
National database and investigative support for law enforcement across Canada (NCMPUR).
Visit canadasmissing.caA program of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection offering resources and support to families of missing children.
Visit MissingKids.caNational police service with jurisdiction over federal investigations and many local detachments across Canada.
Visit RCMPOfficial data and statistical reports on missing persons, crime, and demographics across Canada.
Visit Statistics CanadaFederal department responsible for public safety policy, emergency preparedness, and community safety programs.
Visit Public Safety CanadaAbout This Website
This website exists to promote awareness, encourage responsible discussion, and support families affected by missing persons cases. It was created in memory of Matthew, who passed away in 2023.
The goal of this site is to provide compassionate, factual, and respectful information while recognizing the real human impact behind every missing persons case.
Information on this page is based on publicly available Canadian sources including the RCMP, NCMPUR, Statistics Canada, MissingKids.ca, Public Safety Canada, and provincial police agencies.
Statistics and policies may change over time. Readers are encouraged to consult official government and law enforcement sources for the most current information.