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Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ottawa advised to set up office to track UFOs
The truth is out there — and the Sky Canada Project say the federal government should create an office to get to the bottom of UFOs. Chief science adviser Mona Nemer said 37-page report titled 'Management of Public Reporting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Canada,' has attracted 'more public anticipation than any project in the history of this office. 'Numerous individuals and organizations have stepped forward to offer their assistance,' Nemer said. ALEX BRANDON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES A video of a UAP is paused for display during a hearing of the House Intelligence, Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee hearing on 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena,' on Capitol Hill in the U.S. in May 2022. 'Rarely does anyone mistake a flock of geese flying in V formation for a fighter squadron flying at high altitudes, but sometimes what is being observed in the sky is not immediately clear and a person may wonder if what they are seeing is a natural phenomenon, a new type of aircraft or something else altogether.' The report by the Sky Canada Project, which is led by the chief science adviser's office, found in a survey it commissioned, that one in four respondents 'personally witnessed a UAP in their lifetime. However, only 10 per cent reported their sightings and 40 per cent of respondents would not know whom to contact for reporting.' One of the report's 14 recommendations is that a federal department or agency must manage unidentified aerial phenomena data from the public. 'This service would collect testimonies, investigate cases and post its analyses publicly,' the report says. 'It would proactively inform Canadians about UAPs.' The report says Transport Canada should encourage pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers to report sightings of UAPs 'without fear of stigmatization' as well as analyze the reports to give pilots explanations to 'reduce distractions during flights.' Nemer could not be reached for comment. Winnipegger Chris Rutkowski, an expert on UFOs who publishes the annual Canadian UFO Survey, said he was one of the consultants on the report and went to Ottawa to share his expertise and statistics with Sky Canada Project scientists. 'I'm relatively optimistic they will designate an office,' Rutkowski said. 'They did have such an office until 1995 in the National Research Council. 'They had a contingent of investigators and the RCMP and all of their detectives assisted. But it finished in 1995 when the NRC stepped from an interest in meteors to the CanadArm and Canadians in space. So for 30 years there hasn't been any organized collection of any cases whatsoever.' Rutkowski said that left just his volunteer-based organization and it continues to receive reports. He said Manitobans reported 30 UFOs last year while nationally 1,008 reports were made. 'There have been 25,000 cases since we've been doing the survey since 1989,' he said. Rutkowski said a federal office would be beneficial in other ways, and not just to counter disinformation. 'There is a need to keep track of cases,' he said. 'And, with our now challenging political state, there is a push for greater defence and security. One could argue this may fall under defence.' Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. Philip Ferguson, founding director of the University of Manitoba's Space Technology and Advanced Research Laboratory (STARlab) and an associate professor in the department of mechanical engineering, said setting up a federal office to track UAP's 'is a great idea.' 'We live in a time today when people are able to make their own UFOs,' he said. 'Drones are more ubiquitous today than they were even five years ago.' Ferguson, who is also president of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, said it doesn't mean the office would only receive reports from people who believe they have seen aliens from another plant. 'UFO or UAP does not mean an alien,' he said. 'It means they have seen something that they don't know what it is. With where our technology is, I do think it is important to have a uniform location for where Canadians can report these things.' Kevin RollasonReporter Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin. Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
18-07-2025
- Science
- Global News
UFO data collection, analysis by feds could dispel misinformation: report
Systematic government collection and analysis of data about mysterious sightings in the sky could help Canada better prepare for incidents like the sudden appearance of several high-altitude balloons over North America two years ago, says a report from the federal science adviser. One of the balloons, which wafted above western Canada in early 2023 before being shot down off the U.S. coast, apparently originated from China and carried sophisticated equipment. The balloon episodes generated intense public speculation before fading from the headlines. The final report of the science adviser's Sky Canada Project says the incidents highlight the importance of government investigation of what appears in the sky and how difficult it is to distinguish between natural occurrences, common technological devices and potential security concerns. The report, released this week, says Ottawa should assign a federal department or agency to manage public data on celestial sightings and set up a service to collect testimonies, investigate cases and release analyses. Story continues below advertisement The report explores the public's decades-long fascination with unidentified flying objects and their association with extraterrestrial life, noting a recent shift to the more nuanced concept of unidentified aerial (or anomalous) phenomena, known as UAPs. The report says the evolution in terminology has the potential to reduce the skepticism and ridicule that has sometimes greeted UFO sightings. 0:44 Nothing to suggest UFOs shot down in US were related to China spy balloon, Biden says 'Stigmatization can have significant consequences, such as discouraging witnesses from coming forward and hindering scientific inquiry,' the report says. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The new, more encompassing UAP terminology can help promote greater transparency, credibility and acceptance of research in professional and scientific circles and in the wider public.' The report says while many sightings can be attributed to optical illusions, atmospheric phenomena or human activity, a minority remain unexplained for a myriad of reasons, including a lack of reliable data that prevents rigorous scientific analysis. Story continues below advertisement Unexplained sightings generate interest and can be the source of misinformation or disinformation, diminishing public trust, the report adds. 'When people are repeatedly exposed to false narratives, they may become skeptical of credible sources, including scientists, journalists and government institutions.' Unusual sightings have drawn the attention of various federal agencies since the early days of the Cold War, with the Defence Research Board establishing a committee called Project Second Storey in 1952 to examine occurrences of 'flying saucers' over Canada. 1:51 White House says 3 downed objects likely harmless The report notes Transport Canada currently maintains the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System for incidents affecting aviation safety, including UAP sightings, while the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Department of National Defence may also receive reports through their operational networks. In addition, police forces sometimes hear from witnesses, and civil society organizations, such as Ufology Research of Manitoba and MUFON Canada, compile and analyze data from citizens, the report notes. Story continues below advertisement However, there is no 'cohesive and standardized system' for reporting and follow-up in Canada. The report points to the United States, France and Chile as interesting examples of co-ordinated, transparent and scientifically driven approaches to UAP reporting. It says the federal government should choose a trusted and recognized scientific organization, such as the Canadian Space Agency, to manage public data about sightings. The report also recommends the lead organization play a significant role in dispelling misinformation and disinformation by responding to public and media inquiries related to sightings, and by documenting and communicating common misinterpretations of observations. In addition, data should be made available to the public for transparency and to support research. The space agency did not respond to a query about the report in time for publication, and the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Department said UAPs fall outside its mandate. The report says adopting robust scientific methods and communicating more transparently about sightings would amount to 'a significant step forward in promoting public understanding and combating misinformation.'
Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
In the news today: Jasper fire report cites provincial interference
Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed… Jasper fire report cites provincial interference A report into a wildfire that devastated the Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper last summer says crews did their best but command and control was hampered by the Alberta government. The report, issued Thursday, was commissioned by the town and based on surveyed participants and firefighters who battled the wind-whipped blaze that destroyed a third of buildings in the community located in Jasper National Park. While the report says it wasn't meant to assign blame, it notes that town and Parks Canada officials trained together and had an integrated command structure, but things became challenging when the province got involved. It says the Alberta government, while not jurisdictionally responsible to lead the crisis, made things more difficult with regular requests for information and by seeking to exercise decision-making authority. The report says the interference disrupted the focus of incident commanders and forced them to spend precious time managing inquiries and issues instead of fighting the fire and leading the re-entry of residents. Here's what else we're watching… B.C. restores funding for girl with Batten disease The mother of a nine-year-old Vancouver Island girl who has an extremely rare neurodegenerative disease says she's grateful her daughter will get her medication back. The British Columbia government has restored funding for Charleigh Pollock for the drug Brineura, which costs about $1 million a year. Health Minister Josie Osborne said on Thursday she believes health professionals should make decisions about care, and a letter she received from Batten disease experts in the United States detailed a 'significant disagreement' over the drug. Charleigh's mother Jori Fales posted a video on social media, saying she was 'overwhelmed' by the decision from the province. The government had cut off the funding last month, saying an expert committee determined that the drug was no longer helping to slow the progress of the girl's disease. Federal UFO data analysis needed, report says Systematic government collection and analysis of data about mysterious sightings in the sky could help Canada better prepare for incidents like the sudden appearance of several high-altitude balloons over North America two years ago, says a report from the federal science adviser. One of the balloons, which wafted above western Canada in early 2023 before being shot down off the U.S. coast, apparently originated from China and carried sophisticated equipment. The balloon episodes generated intense public speculation before fading from the headlines. The final report of the science adviser's Sky Canada Project says the incidents highlight the importance of government investigation of what appears in the sky and how difficult it is to distinguish between natural occurrences, common technological devices and potential security concerns. The report, released this week, says Ottawa should assign a federal department or agency to manage public data on celestial sightings and set up a service to collect testimonies, investigate cases and release analyses. Open the door to cheaper European EVs: advocates The federal government has stopped the world's cheapest electric vehicles — made in China — from coming into Canada with a 100 per cent tariff, so advocates are pushing to make it easier for automakers to bring in cheaper ones from Europe. 'Right now, there is a blockage, saying that for safety reasons they cannot let these cars in,' said Daniel Breton, head of Electric Mobility Canada. He's pushing to have the federal government rule that EVs deemed safe by European regulators don't need to be re-certified and modified for Canadian standards. The potentially costly process can be a barrier to bringing more compact and affordable EVs to the Canadian market, though demand might be the bigger hurdle. Attempts to lower the barriers to cheaper vehicles comes as EV sales have been disrupted by the abrupt end of government rebate programs, while tariffs and U.S. moves to end EV supports and mandates are further destabilizing the market. Breton said that allowing a more open flow of vehicles from Europe would fit in well with a push to strengthen and diversify trade ties with the region, as Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he hopes to do, but Transport Canada says it's not so simple. Vancouver's urban orcas create community Chatchawan Jaksuwong says he used to feel empty when he looked at the ocean. But after encounters with whales in the urban waters of Vancouver the photographer now feels a deep sense of connection, and he's found community with fellow enthusiasts. Jaksuwong is among a growing community of whale fans who track and share the surging number of sightings around Vancouver. Experts say the return of orcas, humpbacks and other marine mammals has been decades in the making, following the end of commercial whaling in British Columbia in the late 1960s along with the wind-down of the large-scale culling of seals and sea lions, the primary food for certain killer whales. Andrew Trites, who leads the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of B.C., says whales are the 'ambassadors of the Salish Sea,' and their recovery is an opportunity to boost public awareness and encourage protections for their habitat. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Science
- Winnipeg Free Press
Some of the best-known Canadian UFO sightings over the years
OTTAWA – Some of the best-known Canadian cases of unusual sightings in the sky: May 20, 1967, near Falcon Lake, Man.: Stefan Michalak, who claimed to have encountered a landed UFO while prospecting for minerals, was allegedly burned by a blast of hot gas or air. Oct. 4, 1967, Shag Harbour, N.S.: Witnesses reported seeing a row of lights descending and entering the water. Emergency crews, including the RCMP and the Coast Guard, responded under the assumption of a plane crash, but no wreckage was found. Oct. 26, 1978, near Clarenville, N.L.: Several witnesses, including an RCMP constable, reported seeing an oval-shaped object over the harbour. No material evidence was found. Nov. 7, 1990, Montreal: A large oval-shaped luminous phenomenon was observed in the evening over the rooftop pool of the Bonaventure Hotel by about 40 witnesses including journalists and police officers. Air traffic controllers confirmed there was no radar activity in the area. Dec. 11, 1996, Yukon: At least 31 people in four different areas of Yukon reported seeing a row of lights in the sky, which many described as resembling a spacecraft. The phenomenon was later observed by several others in different locations. (Source: Management of Public Reporting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Canada. Report of the Sky Canada Project from the office of the chief science adviser of Canada, June 2025) This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-07-2025
- Science
- Winnipeg Free Press
Robust federal collection, analysis of UFO data could dispel misinformation: report
OTTAWA – Systematic government collection and analysis of data about mysterious sightings in the sky could help Canada better prepare for incidents like the sudden appearance of several high-altitude balloons over North America two years ago, says a report from the federal science adviser. One of the balloons, which wafted above western Canada in early 2023 before being shot down off the U.S. coast, apparently originated from China and carried sophisticated equipment. The balloon episodes generated intense public speculation before fading from the headlines. The final report of the science adviser's Sky Canada Project says the incidents highlight the importance of government investigation of what appears in the sky and how difficult it is to distinguish between natural occurrences, common technological devices and potential security concerns. The report, released this week, says Ottawa should assign a federal department or agency to manage public data on celestial sightings and set up a service to collect testimonies, investigate cases and release analyses. The report explores the public's decades-long fascination with unidentified flying objects and their association with extraterrestrial life, noting a recent shift to the more nuanced concept of unidentified aerial (or anomalous) phenomena, known as UAPs. The report says the evolution in terminology has the potential to reduce the skepticism and ridicule that has sometimes greeted UFO sightings. 'Stigmatization can have significant consequences, such as discouraging witnesses from coming forward and hindering scientific inquiry,' the report says. 'The new, more encompassing UAP terminology can help promote greater transparency, credibility and acceptance of research in professional and scientific circles and in the wider public.' The report says while many sightings can be attributed to optical illusions, atmospheric phenomena or human activity, a minority remain unexplained for a myriad of reasons, including a lack of reliable data that prevents rigorous scientific analysis. Unexplained sightings generate interest and can be the source of misinformation or disinformation, diminishing public trust, the report adds. 'When people are repeatedly exposed to false narratives, they may become skeptical of credible sources, including scientists, journalists and government institutions.' Unusual sightings have drawn the attention of various federal agencies since the early days of the Cold War, with the Defence Research Board establishing a committee called Project Second Storey in 1952 to examine occurrences of 'flying saucers' over Canada. The report notes Transport Canada currently maintains the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System for incidents affecting aviation safety, including UAP sightings, while the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Department of National Defence may also receive reports through their operational networks. In addition, police forces sometimes hear from witnesses, and civil society organizations, such as Ufology Research of Manitoba and MUFON Canada, compile and analyze data from citizens, the report notes. However, there is no 'cohesive and standardized system' for reporting and follow-up in Canada. The report points to the United States, France and Chile as interesting examples of co-ordinated, transparent and scientifically driven approaches to UAP reporting. It says the federal government should choose a trusted and recognized scientific organization, such as the Canadian Space Agency, to manage public data about sightings. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. The report also recommends the lead organization play a significant role in dispelling misinformation and disinformation by responding to public and media inquiries related to sightings, and by documenting and communicating common misinterpretations of observations. In addition, data should be made available to the public for transparency and to support research. The space agency did not respond to a query about the report in time for publication, and the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Department said UAPs fall outside its mandate. The report says adopting robust scientific methods and communicating more transparently about sightings would amount to 'a significant step forward in promoting public understanding and combating misinformation.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.
