Alberta premier promises changes to Amber Alert system after Parker Wells case

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province will make changes to its Amber Alert system following the disappearance of 11-year-old Parker Wells, whose case has raised questions about how quickly alerts are issued.

Parker Wells, who has autism, went missing on July 16. According to provincial officials, his case did not initially meet the existing criteria for an Amber Alert. Smith said an alert was issued as soon as the Calgary Police Service requested one.

Smith said the provincial government plans to introduce legislative changes during the fall session that would give local police greater discretion to issue Amber Alerts in urgent situations. She said the goal is to allow officers to respond more quickly when a child is believed to be at risk.

The delay in issuing the Amber Alert has drawn criticism from Parker's parents and prompted a broader national debate over the alert system's eligibility requirements. Deanna Daher, who has been assisting with the search effort, said she believes Parker may have been found sooner if the alert had been issued earlier.