Lunn Announces Missing Persons DNA Database Legislation

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2003

OTTAWA: Today Gary Lunn announced in the House of Commons that he is preparing legislation to bring in a missing persons DNA database to link with existing DNA databases across the country.Lunn has been encouraged to act by the terrible story of 14 year old Lindsey Nicholls, who went missing ten years ago while going to Courtenay to visit friends.

"DNA is a critical tool in solving missing persons cases like Lindsey’s.” Lunn stated in the House, “Despite this the government has not created a missing persons DNA database. There are over 6,000 unidentified DNA samples taken from crime scenes, and 125 unidentified bodies in British Columbia morgues alone. Right now there is no way to link these samples to missing persons.”

Lunn pointed out that collecting a DNA sample only costs $100, but the average murder investigation costs $750,000. He concluded with the following:

“I am currently drafting legislation to address these key gaps. In the coming weeks I will be asking each Member for his or her support. Mr. Speaker this is not about privacy for criminals. This is not about money. This is about Justice; justice for Lindsey Nicholls, her family and every other missing child in this country.”

Following the statement Lunn advised that the support for a cross-referenced DNA missing persons database is strong on both sides of the House, and that he is willing to work with the government to ensure his bill is one that everyone can support.

“We need to help the relatives of these missing persons achieve closure,” Lunn stated, “Now is not the time to play partisan politics.”

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