As ongoing search efforts for missing 11-year-old Parker have entered the 11th day, search groups are being reminded to stay healthy and hydrated — and a concerned Calgary parent is calling for change to improve Canada’s alert system.
As the parent of an autistic child, Parker’s story hits close to home, said Indigo Alert petition organizer Jennifer Ball, speaking across the street from the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association and Recreation Centre on Thursday.
The petition aims to broaden Canada’s Amber Alert system for missing children who are deemed at-risk because of medical, developmental, and communication challenges, regardless of evidence of abduction.
“I think this is one of the biggest searches where people are very clear that he is autistic and he is nonverbal, and I feel like he can’t communicate for himself, which I think has made the city step up even more because we need to advocate for him because he can’t advocate for himself,” Ball said.
Autism is a rapidly growing diagnosis found in one in 49 children, she said.
On July 18, an exception was made to allow for an Amber Alert to be sent out for Parker — but the time it took to reach the community was detrimental, Ball said.
As of Sunday, the petition has garnered more than 18,000 signatures.
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Ball has also reached out to several government offices, but is taking it one step at a time.
“Also communicating with even Pierre Poilievre, his daughter’s autistic as well, and I think that these people need to step up and focus on the gap that is at hand,” Ball said. “If you heard Premier Danielle Smith’s podcast (Saturday) talking about how she recognizes the gap, allowing this to maybe not have to be a provincial decision so the Calgary police, if they have an Indigo Alert at hand, they can deploy that within their parameters and quick time frame.”
Incredible support from community, says CALSARA president
As search parties with Calgary Search and Rescue Association continue their rounds in the city’s northwest, every team is making sure their volunteers are staying safe and cool during the summer heat, said president Carolyn Bouwsema.
Team leaders are regularly checking in on the wellness of their groups, with an internal team of trained members in critical incident stress management that perform regular check-ins with members post-search or when needed.
During hot conditions, teams are carrying less in their packs while still having the critical gear they need to operate, while support teams from CPS move through the search area to ensure that volunteers are hydrated and have the supplies they need.
“On top of that, we’ve been incredibly touched by the support from the community. Many residents have been checking in on our teams, offering cold drinks, snacks, and words of encouragement as we pass by,” Bouwsema said. “Those small acts of kindness go a long way during long, hot days like these, and our volunteers really appreciate it.”
Calgary police and Alberta conservation officers ride up into Nose Hill Park as the search for missing child Parker continued on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The response from Calgarians has been incredible, and everyone continues to do their part in trying to bring Parker home, Bouwsema said.
Residents are encouraged to continue to search their yards, sheds, garages and any small spaces where an 11-year-old could fit.
Anyone out searching during the day is reminded to take care of themselves while they search.
Volunteers should keep the current heat and air quality in mind, and anyone experiencing heat- or smoke-related illness symptoms is urged to head indoors and rest.
The public is also asked to give search teams the space they need to work.
Although they appreciate everyone’s willingness to help, approaching or following search teams can unintentionally slow operations or distract volunteers from their assignments.
“The best way to support the search is to continue following the guidance from Calgary Police Service, check your own property thoroughly, and report any credible information through the appropriate channels,” Bouwsema said. “We all share the same goal of bringing Parker home safely, and by looking after yourselves and allowing search teams to do their work, everyone is contributing to that effort.”
Calgary police operate drones in Nose Hill Park as the search for missing child Parker continued on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
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