Some Canadian jurisdictions are not interested in creating a national Silver Alert program for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada (ASC) also opposes the idea. “We aren’t endorsing them because there isn’t robust evidence that they actually work,” said Mary Schulz, ASC Director of Education. Silver Alert advocates say the system could be a lifesaver for missing seniors.
Bill VanGorder, spokesperson for the Canadian Association of Retired People (CARP) Nova Scotia said the alerts reinforce stereotypes. “We certainly don’t like the idea of suggesting that if you’re silver-haired, as I am, then somehow I’m going to automatically be prone to wander.” In 2017, Alberta and Manitoba amended their Missing Persons Act to allow for Silver Alerts. However, Alberta has yet to issue a Silver Alert.