The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the need for legislation related to missing persons in Canada. The GNWT is committed to responding to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry and has developed legislation to further support missing person investigations.

The GNWT has now drafted regulations needed to bring the Missing Persons Act into force. 

These regulations prescribe details related (but not limited) to:

• Procedures for officer applications for record access orders or search orders
• Procedures and requirements for officers making emergency demands
• Provision of notice to persons whose information has been accessed; and
• The Annual Report and Review.

NWT residents are invited to review the proposed regulations for the Missing Persons Act and submit comments by July 24, 2025.  More information is available on the GNWT’s public engagement website.  

For media requests, please contact:
Ngan Trinh     
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: ngan_trinh@gov.nt.ca
Phone Number: 867-767-9256, ext. 82083