AMBER Alert Launched in Nova Scotia

Children and certain vulnerable adults in Nova Scotia now have the added protection of the life-saving AMBER Alert program.

In a video testimonial shown at the Province House launch of the program today, May 25, John Walsh -- host of America's Most Wanted on Fox TV -- praised Nova Scotia for joining the seven provinces and 49 states who have adopted AMBER Alert.

"Working together, we can save children and we can catch criminals," said Mr. Walsh. "Congratulations Nova Scotia, on adopting the AMBER Alert program."

As of May 15, AMBER Alert is credited with finding 154 children.

Justice Minister Michael Baker commended the community-minded organizations that have teamed up to bring the much-heralded program to Nova Scotia.

"It's especially appropriate that today, on National Missing Children's Day, we're able to announce the introduction of AMBER Alert. It's a unique partnership that makes our streets and communities even safer," said Mr. Baker. "We appreciate the community spirit shown by our participating private broadcasters who provide a vital link to the public."

Nova Scotia becomes the eighth province to adopt AMBER Alert, joining Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

"Child Find is pleased with the implementation of the Nova Scotia AMBER Alert program," said Dianna Cann, chair of the AMBER Alert committee and executive director of Child Find Nova Scotia. "AMBER Alert is a proven and effective tool for finding missing children. It has been our primary focus since 2003 and we are elated with the high level of commitment by our partners to get the program off the ground."

"This program will ensure a co-ordinated, comprehensive approach," said chief superintendent Tom Bennett of the RCMP, on behalf of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association. "Our concern is the safe return of the victim, and this integrated approach is the best model available to assist investigators."

AMBER Alert works through the volunteer efforts of local radio and television broadcasters, who work quickly with law enforcement agencies to broadcast details of missing children and potential suspects.

"Nova Scotia's private radio and television broadcasters, cable TV providers and daily newspaper publishers have embraced the AMBER Alert program," said Chris Perry, president of the Atlantic Association of Broadcasters. "This buy-in by the media will ensure the public will be immediately and thoroughly involved should an AMBER Alert be issued."

For more information on AMBER Alert go to the website at www.codeamber.org , or the National Center for Missing Children website at www.missingkids.org .