The Yukon government is seeking public feedback on legislation that could help the RCMP in missing persons investigations.

The government said in a statement Tuesday that new legislation would enable police to access specific information in these cases, including telephone, banking, travel and health records.

It added that privacy would be protected through oversight and accountability measures.

Currently, unless there is evidence of criminal activity, the RCMP have limited investigative tools at their disposal during a search for a missing person.

“The RCMP need access to the right tools to do their jobs,” said Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

“When trying to locate missing persons, every minute of a search is crucial.

“A new Yukon law, similar to those enacted in six Canadian provinces, is designed to assist police in locating missing persons as quickly as possible.”

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan all have missing persons legislation that shares common provisions.

These include details on:

• how and when court orders and emergency demands for records can be made and what information is protected, for example, if there is reason to believe the missing person may be at imminent risk of serious bodily harm or death or there is concern that records may be destroyed;

• circumstances for search orders of private property;

• when the RCMP can seek access to third-party records, such as when there is a reason to believe a minor or vulnerable person may be in the company of the third party;

• how the RCMP can use records obtained under the legislation including how they may disclose information;

• protection for parties acting in good faith, both those providing and accessing records; and

• offences for individuals or organizations that refuse to comply with a court order to produce records.

In the Yukon last year, there were 54 reports of missing adults, with an equal number being male and female.

There were also 71 reports of missing children and youth with 60 being female.

Sixty per cent of those cases were reported missing due to unknown causes while 38 per cent were reported as runaways.

A government survey on the proposed legislation notes there is not a 24-hour waiting period before a person can be reported missing.

As well, as soon as friends and family become aware that a loved one may be missing, it should be reported to the RCMP so they can begin their investigation.

Consultation on the proposed legislation began Tuesday and comments will be accepted until Sept. 11.

A survey is available on the government website, and questions and feedback can also be directed to the Department of Justice Policy and Communications Unit at justice@gov.yk.ca or 667-3033.