Public Reporting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Canada
The “Sky Canada Preview – January 2025” is a 16-page document prepared by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada. It provides a detailed preview of the upcoming Sky Canada Report, which focuses on how Canada manages public reporting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). The initiative stems from growing public interest and significant developments in other nations, particularly the United States, which have implemented structured systems for addressing UAP sightings. Unlike investigations into the nature of UAPs, this project examines the mechanisms through which sightings are reported, analyzed, and communicated, aiming to identify gaps and recommend improvements.
The document opens with a message from the Chief Science Advisor, highlighting the increasing complexity of airspace due to innovations like drones, satellites, and new aviation technologies. It underscores the challenges of distinguishing these objects from genuine unidentified phenomena. The report’s executive summary outlines its methodology, which includes consultations with government agencies, experts, and the public, as well as reviews of international practices and historical UAP data. It reveals a fragmented reporting structure in Canada, where sightings are scattered across multiple organizations with no standardized system for follow-up or analysis.
Key findings indicate that Canadians report between 600 and 1,000 UAP sightings annually, yet a significant portion of the population is unsure of where or how to report such events. This lack of a cohesive system contributes to misinformation and limits scientific inquiry. The report compares Canada’s approach to those of other nations, such as the United States’ All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), France’s GEIPAN, and Chile’s SEFAA, which have established transparent, centralized, and scientifically driven systems for managing UAP reports.
The preview proposes several recommendations to address these issues. It calls for a lead federal organization to oversee UAP reporting, a dedicated public service for collecting and analyzing reports, and stronger engagement with the scientific community. Additionally, it advocates for improved public communication strategies to counter misinformation and foster trust. International collaboration is also encouraged to align Canada’s practices with global standards and methodologies.
Overall, the preview emphasizes the importance of transparency, scientific rigor, and public engagement in addressing UAPs. By adopting a structured and science-based approach, the Sky Canada Project aims to position Canada as a global leader in understanding and managing this evolving phenomenon. The recommendations promise to enhance public trust, combat misinformation, and provide valuable insights into aerial phenomena that remain unexplained.
The first page of the document introduces the Sky Canada Project, spearheaded by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, to address the growing interest in unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). This project is framed as a response to increasing activity in the skies due to advancements in aviation technology, including drones, satellites, and experimental aircraft. The report highlights the difficulty of identifying these objects under varying conditions, such as time of day or atmospheric factors, which sometimes results in observations that cannot be easily explained. There is a lack of a centralized Canadian resource for reporting or investigating these sightings and raises questions about the public’s reliance on unofficial platforms like social media for answers. This context serves as the foundation for the Sky Canada Project’s mission to review existing resources, assess international best practices, and recommend improvements for handling public UAP reports. The initiative is framed as one focused on enhancing transparency, fostering scientific inquiry, and ultimately serving the Canadian public with clear and reliable processes.
A message from Mona Nemer, the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, addressing the challenges and complexities associated with identifying aerial phenomena. She acknowledges the growing activity in the skies, driven by technological advancements such as drones, satellites, and new types of aircraft, which can blur the line between natural and unidentified occurrences. Nemer emphasizes the importance of reliable information and resources to help the public discern what they observe, rather than relying solely on social media or unofficial explanations. She outlines the purpose of the Sky Canada Project, which is to evaluate how UAP reports are managed in Canada, identify resources currently in place, and recommend improvements. Importantly, she clarifies that the project does not aim to investigate the nature of UAPs but rather to establish effective reporting and follow-up mechanisms informed by science. The message concludes with an expression of gratitude to the individuals and organizations that contributed their expertise and insights to the study, reinforcing the collaborative effort behind the project.
The study examines Canada’s current landscape for UAP reporting, identifies significant gaps in resources and processes, and proposes recommendations to enhance public transparency and scientific engagement. By comparing Canada’s practices with those of other nations, especially G7 and Five Eyes members, the report highlights the need for improved coordination and systematic approaches. The methodology included consultations with federal departments, experts, and stakeholders, as well as a public survey conducted to understand Canadians’ perspectives on UAPs. The findings aim to guide future policies for managing UAP-related information in Canada effectively.
It reveals that between 600 and 1,000 UAP sightings are estimated to be reported annually, yet a significant number of individuals are unsure of how to report such phenomena. According to survey data, only 10 percent of those who witness UAPs actually report them, while 40 percent do not know where to direct their observations. Despite the existence of various citizen-driven organizations and federal agencies that receive UAP reports, the lack of a cohesive system leads to scattered and inconsistent data collection. Few government departments analyze or investigate these reports unless they pertain directly to their specific mandates, such as national security or public safety. This fragmented approach, coupled with limited scientific involvement and public engagement, underscores the pressing need for a standardized, accessible, and transparent framework to handle UAP sightings in Canada.
The report suggests identifying a lead federal department or agency responsible for overseeing public UAP data, emphasizing the need for a trusted organization with established scientific credibility. It proposes the establishment of a dedicated service to collect, investigate, and publicly share analyses of UAP reports. The recommendations also call for enhanced reporting capacity within civil aviation by encouraging pilots, cabin crews, and air traffic controllers to report sightings without fear of stigma. To further transparency, the report advocates for proactive public engagement strategies, such as creating accessible platforms for reporting UAPs and improving media relations to combat misinformation. Additionally, it emphasizes fostering interdepartmental collaboration to streamline data collection and analysis across government bodies. These measures aim to build public trust, promote scientific inquiry, and position Canada as a leader in addressing UAP-related concerns with transparency and rigor.
There are recommendations to enhance UAP reporting and research in Canada, focusing on fostering scientific engagement and collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of making UAP data accessible to the public to encourage transparency and facilitate research. The report advocates for conducting regular surveys to gauge Canadian perceptions of UAPs and evaluate the effectiveness of new initiatives. It highlights the potential of citizen science programs, which could involve the public in data collection and analysis, thereby increasing interest in science and technology. The development of tools, such as smartphone applications and interactive platforms, is suggested to aid in reporting and researching UAPs. The report also underscores the need to leverage Canada’s strengths in astronomy and aerospace research, advocating for deeper integration of these sectors into UAP studies. These recommendations are designed to build a robust scientific framework, inspire public confidence, and ensure a comprehensive approach to understanding aerial phenomena.
The report highlights the collaboration between various federal entities, such as the Canadian Space Agency, Transport Canada, the Department of National Defence, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, among others. Additionally, it mentions the involvement of international organizations like France’s GEIPAN and independent groups like MUFON Canada. A wide array of experts contributed their insights, ranging from academics and researchers to subject matter specialists in aerospace and meteorology. This extensive network of contributors underscores the project’s commitment to drawing from a broad spectrum of expertise to create a comprehensive and informed analysis of UAP reporting in Canada. The inclusion of such diverse perspectives aims to ensure that the recommendations are both practical and reflective of global best practices.
Findings from a public survey conducted as part of the Sky Canada Project, offering insights into Canadian perceptions of UAPs. It reveals that a minority of respondents, approximately 30%, express concern about UAPs observed over Canadian territory. Around 40% of respondents believe UAPs represent a potential flight safety issue, highlighting a notable level of apprehension regarding aviation security. Over half of those surveyed, 55%, agree that the nature of some UAPs remains unconfirmed, reflecting a broader uncertainty surrounding these phenomena. Additionally, the survey identifies widespread skepticism about the accuracy of information on UAPs, with the majority of participants believing that misinformation is prevalent both on social media and in mainstream media. These results underline the need for clear, reliable sources of information and greater public awareness initiatives to address misconceptions and foster informed understanding of UAPs.
Public perceptions of UAPs, reveal that many respondents are unsure about the sources or origins of these phenomena. While a majority could not definitively attribute UAPs to specific causes, some suggested possibilities such as natural phenomena, drones, satellites, or extraterrestrial life. Notably, skepticism persists, with half of the participants agreeing that there is no conclusive proof of extraterrestrial civilizations. The data also highlights a strong belief among Canadians in the existence of false information regarding UAPs, further emphasizing the need for authoritative, evidence-based communication. These findings reflect a mix of curiosity, doubt, and a desire for credible explanations, underscoring the importance of transparency and scientific inquiry in addressing public concerns and misconceptions about UAPs.
The report indicates that two-thirds of respondents have followed stories about UAPs over the past two or three years. Interest is particularly high regarding UAP sightings within Canada, with a majority showing enthusiasm for domestic coverage. While there is also notable curiosity about international UAP incidents, the survey reveals that Canadian respondents prioritize local events. The findings suggest a widespread public engagement with the topic and highlight the value of providing accurate and accessible information to sustain this interest. This interest also underscores the importance of fostering a well-informed public dialogue, as the curiosity around UAPs aligns with the broader objectives of transparency and scientific outreach outlined in the report.
The report highlights the willingness of Canadians to embrace modern tools for engaging with UAP phenomena. Approximately 40% of survey respondents indicated they would likely use a mobile application to report or help identify UAPs. This finding underscores the potential for technology to streamline UAP reporting and enhance public involvement in data collection. The survey revealed that over a quarter of Canadians claimed to have personally witnessed a UAP during their lifetime, though a majority of these sightings occurred more than a decade ago. Despite this, only a small fraction—around 10%—formally reported their observations. This gap between personal experience and formal reporting reinforces the need for accessible, user-friendly systems that encourage Canadians to document and share their experiences in a structured manner. These insights suggest a growing demand for technological solutions to simplify reporting processes and facilitate citizen participation in the study of UAPs.
Nearly 40% of survey respondents stated they would not know who to contact if they wanted to report a UAP, reflecting a lack of clear, centralized resources for such incidents. Among those who have reported sightings, the majority did so to non-governmental organizations, while fewer approached authorities like the police or federal agencies. Additionally, half of the respondents believed that organizations dedicated to investigating UAPs exist in Canada, although most could not name any specific group. This uncertainty points to the fragmented nature of UAP reporting in the country and highlights the need for a centralized, widely recognized system that could streamline reports and provide reliable feedback to the public. Establishing such a resource would address confusion and improve public engagement with UAP-related matters.
Nearly half of the respondents expressed that the government should actively engage with UAP issues, indicating significant public interest in government involvement. Moreover, a majority of respondents emphasized the importance of establishing a service or agency to which Canadians could report sightings, as well as making information about these reports publicly available. These findings reflect a strong desire for transparency and official acknowledgment of UAP phenomena. They also highlight the public’s expectation that the government take the lead in ensuring accurate and accessible communication, fostering trust, and supporting scientific inquiry related to aerial phenomena. This underscores the necessity for federal action to address these concerns effectively and meet public demand.
About half of the respondents supported the idea of the government dedicating public funds to investigate UAP sightings transparently. These responses reflect a broader call for increased public engagement, where citizens not only report sightings but also actively contribute to the research process. The findings underline the value of fostering collaboration between the government, scientists, and the public to build a more informed and involved society.
By prioritizing science-based methods and fostering collaboration, the report suggests that Canada can demystify UAPs and potentially uncover valuable insights into unexplained aerial occurrences. This structured approach is presented as an opportunity to address public concerns effectively while advancing knowledge in the field.
