Canada has taken a significant step in addressing UAPs with the release of the preliminary report from the Sky Canada Project, led by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, Dr. Mona Nemer. This project does not aim to investigate the nature of UAPs but rather to establish a cohesive system for the Canadian public to report sightings and promote scientific rigor in handling these occurrences.
The global surge of interest in UAPs, driven by recent actions in the United States—such as the creation of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and NASA’s studies—served as an inspiration for Canada’s initiative. In Canada, it is estimated that between 600 and 1,000 UAP sightings are reported annually, but most of these cases remain fragmented across various agencies and lack proper investigation.
A surprising finding revealed by the project’s research shows that one in four Canadians claims to have witnessed a UAP, but only 10% report these sightings. Additionally, 40% do not know whom to contact to report such events, highlighting the need for a unified and accessible system.
Identified Gaps and Challenges
The report highlights several issues that hinder the collection and analysis of UAP data:
Lack of Centralization: Reports are received by different agencies without coordination or standardization.
Limited Public Engagement: There is no official platform for reporting sightings or providing reliable explanations.
Limited Scientific Analysis: UAP reports only receive attention if considered security risks.
Growing Misinformation: The absence of transparency fuels unfounded speculation on social media.
Countries such as the United States, France, and Chile already have well-established systems for managing UAPs. In the U.S., AARO collects and investigates sightings in a structured manner. In France, GEIPAN, part of the French space agency, has conducted scientific studies on UAPs since 1977. Chile operates SEFAA, which promotes detailed and scientific investigations.
These models demonstrate the effectiveness of transparent and coordinated approaches to UAPs, serving as examples for Canada.
Recommendations from the Report
To improve the management of UAPs in Canada, the report suggests:
1. Creation of a Lead Agency: The Canadian Space Agency is identified as the best option to coordinate reports and investigations.
2. Dedicated Public Service: A centralized system allowing the public to report sightings and receive reliable explanations.
3. Encouragement of Citizen Science: Tools like bilingual apps and interactive programs should be created to involve the public in data collection.
4. Support for Public Dialogue and Combating Misinformation: Collaboration with museums, science centers, and libraries to promote transparency.
5. International Collaborations: Partnerships with agencies like AARO (U.S.), GEIPAN (France), and SEFAA (Chile) to share data and best practices.
An important aspect of the report is its commitment to transparency. Canada aims not only to combat misinformation but also to engage the scientific community to deepen studies on UAPs. Initiatives such as public access to data and promoting scientific literacy are among the priorities.
Public survey on Canadians’ opinions about UAPs
The report states that the Office of the Chief Science Advisor hired Earnscliffe Strategies to conduct an online survey with Canadians to assess public opinions about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). The survey was carried out between August 15 and 27, 2024, and included 1,008 members of Leger’s online panel. The average time to complete the survey was approximately 8 minutes.
Respondents were selected from individuals who volunteered or registered to participate in online surveys. To enhance methodological rigor and ensure the sample was representative of the broader population, the data were weighted by age, gender, and region according to the current Statistics Canada figures. This approach ensures that the results reflect the Canadian population (18+) in a balanced way.
However, as it is a non-probabilistic sample, the results cannot be described as statistically projectable to the entire Canadian population. The survey’s treatment aligns with the Standards for the Conduct of Public Opinion Research for the Government of Canada – Online Surveys.
The main results of the survey were presented in charts, grouped into four main categories. Here are some key facts:
1. Concern Level about UAPs in Canada
30% of respondents expressed some concern about UAPs in Canadian territory (5% very concerned, 25% somewhat concerned).
The majority of Canadians (36%) are “not very concerned,” while 29% stated they are not concerned at all.
Overall concern is moderate, with most citizens not viewing UAPs as a significant threat.
2. UAPs and Air Safety
Nearly 40% believe that UAPs pose an issue for flight safety (10% strongly agree and 29% moderately agree).
33% have no opinion or disagree with this statement.
There is a considerable divide among Canadians regarding the risks UAPs pose to air traffic, with a notable minority seeing security implications.
3. Lack of Confirmation about the Nature of UAPs
More than half of respondents (55%) agree that “the nature of some UAPs has not been confirmed.”
14% disagree, while the remainder is neutral or did not answer.
There is significant consensus that uncertainties remain about the origin and characteristics of many UAPs, suggesting a desire for further investigation and clarification.
4. Disinformation about UAPs
36% believe that there is disinformation about UAPs on social media, with 23% also pointing out disinformation in traditional media.
A total of 66% believe that false information is circulating, mainly on online platforms.
The Canadian public views disinformation as a central problem in the UAP debate, particularly on social media.
The data indicates that while most Canadians are not extremely concerned about UAPs, there is a perception that they may pose risks to air safety and that the nature of many of these phenomena is still unconfirmed. Additionally, disinformation is seen as a critical challenge, highlighting the need for greater transparency and official investigation.
The Sky Canada report emphasizes the need for a coordinated, scientific, and transparent approach to dealing with UAPs. In addition to boosting public trust, the initiative may position Canada as a global leader in the search for answers to these phenomena.
As Dr. Mona Nemer emphasized: “The Sky Canada Project is not about what UAPs are, but about how science can inform and serve the public.”
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