N.W.T. MLAs hold Missing Persons Act meetings in Aklavik and Inuvik

Several MLAs were in Aklavik and Inuvik this week to hold consultations on the N.W.T.'s proposed new Missing Persons Act.

The territory's standing committee on social development held a public meeting in Aklavik on Tuesday, and one in Inuvik on Wednesday to hear feedback on the act.

The Missing Persons Act would allow RCMP, with court approval, to access many types of records, such as information found on cell phones and other electronic devices, but also records about school attendance, employment, personal health and finances.

The Legislative Assembly is scheduled to vote on it in May, where it could receive third reading and become law. The territory committed to exploring a Missing Persons Act in 2020 and it was brought back into the spotlight after the disappearance of Frank Gruben last spring.

Gruben, a 30-year old Gwich'in Inuvialuit man, was last seen in Fort Smith, N.W.T., on May 6, 2023.

Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart said the meeting in Aklavik was well attended and members of Gruben's family were there to ask questions and hear about the act.

"It's been very emotional, especially in Aklavik where we were yesterday. That Frank Gruben ... case has been top of the line for the community," said Testart.

People gather in Inuvik to share their thoughts on the N.W.T.'s proposed Missing Persons Act on Wednesday. (Dez Loreen/CBC)

Along with Testart, other MLAs on the tour included Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan, Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo, Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakelaya and Sahtu MLA Daniel McNeely.

Over a dozen people came out in Inuvik on Wednesday night. Some people asked about historical cases of missing persons and how far back the legislature would allow RCMP to investigate.

Weyallon Armstrong, the committee's chair, told the audience that the act would allow the RCMP to go back "a hundred years if they need to."

"We're very pleased to be there to hear directly but this is an important bill, this is literally life and death and glad we are moving forward," she said.

Weyallon Armstrong also said the missing persons act can play an important role in the territory.

"This bill is very important — important for the N.W.T., important for everybody. It's giving the tools for the RCMP to work with the families, to work with the people," she said.

Testart said the feedback they have heard will be written up into recommendations to the assembly during their next sitting.