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Key Takeaways
- Canada lacks a centralized UAP reporting system
- Public demand for transparency is increasing
- The CSA is proposed as the lead federal agency
Introduction
The management of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) reporting in Canada has historically been fragmented, inconsistent, and often stigmatized. Following the release of the Sky Canada Project report in June 2025, the federal government has laid out a roadmap to modernize how these observations are collected, analyzed, and communicated to the public. Led by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, this initiative represents the first major federal review of UAP reporting mechanisms in nearly three decades. The project was not designed to prove or disprove the existence of extraterrestrial life. Instead, the focus was on science, data integrity, and addressing the public’s need for reliable information in an era of increasing misinformation.
This article provides a detailed examination of the Sky Canada Project, its findings, the historical context of UAP reporting in Canada, and the fourteen recommendations put forth to establish a cohesive national framework.
The Genesis of the Sky Canada Project
In early 2023, the Office of the Chief Science Advisor (OCSA) announced the creation of the Sky Canada Project. This decision was driven by a convergence of factors, including heightened public interest, the destigmatization of UAP discussions in allied nations, and specific high-profile incidents involving high-altitude objects entering North American airspace.
Mona Nemer , the Chief Science Advisor, emphasized that the project intends to serve the public interest by applying scientific rigour to a topic often clouded by speculation. The project had specific objectives: to review existing reporting methods, propose improvements, combat disinformation, and support the monitoring of Canadian airspace. It also sought to compare Canada’s readiness to collaborate with international partners, particularly G7 nations that have already established formal UAP offices.
The project culminated in a comprehensive report released in June 2025, titled “Management of Public Reporting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Canada.” This document was informed by extensive consultations with federal departments, such as Transport Canada and the Department of National Defence , as well as citizen-led organizations and international experts. Additionally, the project commissioned a nationwide survey to gauge public sentiment, the results of which provided a baseline for understanding how Canadians perceive and interact with UAP phenomena.
Historical Context of UAP Reporting in Canada
To understand the necessity of the Sky Canada Project, it is essential to examine the history of UAP investigations in Canada. The federal government’s involvement has fluctuated over the last 75 years, often characterized by periods of intense interest followed by decades of administrative silence.
Project Magnet and Early Investigations
In 1950, the Department of Transport authorized Wilbert Smith , a senior radio engineer, to conduct research into the possibility that UAPs utilized magnetic fields for propulsion. Known as Project Magnet , this initiative marked Canada’s first formal government attempt to study the phenomenon scientifically. Smith established an observatory near Ottawa and attempted to detect magnetic disturbances associated with sightings. Although the project did not succeed in its primary technical goals, it established a precedent for federal interest in aerial anomalies.
Concurrently, the Defence Research Board established Project Second Storey in 1952. Chaired by Peter Millman , an astronomer with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), this committee was tasked with examining “flying saucer” reports from military personnel. The committee developed standardized reporting forms but eventually concluded that UAPs did not pose a direct security threat and held little scientific interest at the time.
The NRC Era and the Shift to Archives
In 1967, responsibility for collecting UAP reports was officially transferred to the NRC. For nearly three decades, the NRC served as the primary repository for non-meteoric sightings in Canada. Dr. Millman continued to oversee these files, often providing astronomical explanations for reported sightings. However, the NRC ceased this collection function in 1995, transferring all records to [suspicious link removed] .
Since 1995, no single federal department has held the mandate to collect or investigate UAP reports from the public. This created a vacuum where reports were scattered across various agencies – including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and Transport Canada – without any central coordination or analytical oversight. The Sky Canada Project identified this lack of continuity as a significant flaw in the national infrastructure for airspace monitoring and scientific inquiry.
The Current Landscape: Fragmentation and Gaps
The June 2025 report detailed the current state of UAP reporting in Canada, describing it as fragmented and inefficient. While various federal departments receive reports, they rarely communicate with one another regarding these observations unless there is an immediate threat to national security or aviation safety.
Aviation and Transport Canada
Transport Canada manages the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System (CADORS). While this system is designed to track aviation incidents, it captures UAP sightings only incidentally. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and citizens can theoretically file reports, but the system is not optimized for UAP data. In 2023, out of thousands of aviation reports, only 17 events were classified in categories that could encompass UAPs. This low number suggests significant underreporting, likely driven by the stigma associated with the topic in the aviation community.
National Defence and Public Safety
The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) focus on identifying threats. If an aerial object does not pose a hostile threat, it typically falls outside their investigative scope. Similarly, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) receives calls from the public but treats them primarily as public safety checks. Without a dedicated code for UAPs, these reports are often lost in general incident logs or dismissed once criminal activity is ruled out.
Citizen Science and Non-Governmental Organizations
In the absence of a federal authority, citizen-led groups have filled the void. Organizations such as Ufology Research, co-founded by Chris Rutkowski , have meticulously catalogued sightings for decades. The annual Canadian UFO Survey tracks hundreds of reports each year, relying on data from civilian researchers and Access to Information requests. MUFON Canada also plays a significant role in investigating cases. The Sky Canada Project acknowledged the value of these citizen science efforts but noted that they lack the resources and official authority to conduct comprehensive analyses or access sensitive sensor data.
Public Perception and the Earnscliffe Survey
To inform its recommendations, the Sky Canada Project commissioned a nationwide survey conducted by Earnscliffe Strategies. The survey, completed in August 2024, provided revealing insights into the Canadian public’s experiences and expectations regarding UAPs.
The data indicated that UAP sightings are more common than official records suggest. Approximately 27% of respondents claimed to have seen an object in the sky they could not identify. Despite this high incidence rate, only 10% of those witnesses reported their sighting to any authority.
The survey highlighted a significant disconnect between the public and government mechanisms. Roughly 40% of respondents stated they would not know who to contact if they saw a UAP. Furthermore, there is a strong public desire for government engagement. A majority of respondents expressed support for a dedicated federal service to gather reports and make findings public.
| Metric | Survey Result |
|---|---|
| Have seen a UAP | 27% |
| Reported the sighting | 10% |
| Do not know where to report | 40% |
| Support federal UAP service | 55% |
| Desire public data release | 71% |
This data underscores the “reporting gap” identified by the OCSA. The reluctance to report is often driven by a lack of clear channels and the fear of ridicule. By failing to capture this data, Canada loses potential insights into atmospheric phenomena, aviation safety risks, and aerospace technology developments.
International Comparisons and Best Practices
The Sky Canada Project looked abroad for models of effective UAP management. The report highlighted three nations that have established functional frameworks: the United States, France, and Chile.
The United States: AARO and NASA
The United States has rapidly formalized its UAP investigations. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office(AARO), established within the Department of Defense, serves as the focal point for government-wide UAP investigations. AARO coordinates with intelligence agencies and scientific bodies to analyze sightings near sensitive installations. Additionally, NASA appointed a Director of UAP Research to leverage space-based assets for scientific study. The U.S. model emphasizes national security and rigorous data collection.
France: GEIPAN
France offers a model that prioritizes transparency and civilian science. GEIPAN , a unit within the Centre national d’études spatiales (CNES), has investigated UAPs since 1977. GEIPAN collects reports, conducts investigations using volunteers, and publishes its findings online. Their approach focuses on explaining sightings through scientific analysis (astronomy, meteorology, psychology) and maintaining an open dialogue with the public. The Sky Canada Project referenced GEIPAN frequently as a viable model for Canada, noting its low operational cost and high public trust.
Chile: SEFAA
Chile operates the SEFAA (Section for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) under its civil aviation authority. This body focuses on aviation safety and actively collaborates with pilots and scientists to analyze unexplained aerial traffic. Like GEIPAN, it emphasizes transparency and public education.
Findings of the June 2025 Report
The final report identified several gaps in Canada’s current approach. The primary finding was the complete absence of a standardized reporting system. Without a central repository, data is inconsistent, preventing any meaningful scientific analysis.
The report also highlighted the issue of stigma. Academic researchers and aviation professionals are often discouraged from investigating or reporting UAPs due to fear of professional reprisal. This has stifled scientific inquiry and left the field open to speculation and conspiracy theories.
Misinformation was identified as a major challenge. In the absence of credible government information, social media becomes the primary source of UAP narratives. This creates an environment where false claims spread rapidly, eroding trust in scientific and government institutions. The OCSA concluded that a proactive, science-based government presence is essential to counter disinformation.
Recommendations for a National Framework
Based on its findings, the Sky Canada Project proposed fourteen specific recommendations. These are categorized into reporting oversight, communications, research, and international collaboration.
Designating a Lead Agency
The most significant recommendation is the identification of a lead federal agency to manage public UAP data. The report suggests the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as a strong candidate for this role. As a respected scientific organization with an existing international network, the CSA is well-positioned to manage data without the security-heavy baggage associated with defence agencies.
The lead agency would be responsible for establishing a dedicated service to collect testimonies and investigate cases. This service would not only gather data but also provide feedback to witnesses, explaining sightings when possible. This feedback loop is essential for building public trust and improving science literacy.
Enhancing Civil Aviation Reporting
To address the safety aspect, the report recommends that Transport Canada works to remove barriers for pilots and air traffic controllers. Reporting UAPs should be normalized as a safety protocol rather than a reputational risk. Collaboration with NAV CANADA is suggested to analyze these reports for trends that could affect flight safety.
Supporting Public Dialogue and Communications
The report argues for a proactive communication strategy. The government should not merely react to sightings but should engage in ongoing public education. This involves partnerships with science centres, museums, and libraries to discuss aerospace phenomena scientifically.
To combat misinformation, the lead agency is advised to establish a multidisciplinary expert panel. This panel would guide the government on how to effectively address false narratives and leverage up-to-date evidence to debunk conspiracy theories.
Promoting Research and Citizen Science
Opening data to the scientific community is a central pillar of the recommendations. The report calls for UAP data to be made “open by default” where possible, stripping away personal information to allow independent researchers to analyze the findings.
Citizen science is also heavily promoted. The report envisions programs where volunteers can assist in data collection using standardized protocols. This not only increases the volume of data but also engages the public in the scientific process. Developing mobile apps to facilitate standardized reporting is suggested as a practical tool for this initiative.
International Collaboration
Finally, the report recommends formalizing ties with international bodies like AARO, GEIPAN, and SEFAA. UAPs do not respect borders, and sharing data and methodologies with allies will enhance Canada’s analytical capabilities.
Summary
The Sky Canada Project marks a pivot point in how Canada manages the unknown. By moving the conversation from the fringes of conspiracy to the center of scientific inquiry, the federal government acknowledges that UAPs are a valid subject for study. The release of the June 2025 report and its subsequent recommendations offer a path toward a transparent, data-driven system that serves both national security and public curiosity.
The proposed framework – centered on a civilian lead agency, open data, and international cooperation – aligns Canada with its G7 peers. It addresses the long-standing frustration of witnesses who had nowhere to turn and provides the scientific community with the legitimacy needed to investigate these phenomena. As these recommendations are implemented, Canada moves closer to demystifying the skies and ensuring that science, rather than speculation, leads the conversation.
Appendix: Top 10 Questions Answered in This Article
What is the Sky Canada Project?
The Sky Canada Project is an initiative led by the Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada to review how reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) are managed. It assesses current reporting mechanisms, identifies gaps, and proposes a centralized, science-based approach to data collection and analysis.
Does the Sky Canada Project prove the existence of aliens?
No, the project was not designed to prove or disprove the existence of extraterrestrial life. Its primary objective was to evaluate and improve the administrative and scientific processes for handling UAP reports to ensure data integrity and public transparency.
Who is currently responsible for collecting UAP reports in Canada?
As of November 2025, no single federal agency has the mandate to collect UAP reports. Responsibility is fragmented among agencies like Transport Canada, the RCMP, and the Department of National Defence, with none serving as a central repository for public sightings.
What agency is recommended to lead UAP investigations in Canada?
The June 2025 report suggests that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is best suited to lead these efforts. The CSA is recommended due to its scientific expertise, public trust, and capacity to collaborate with international research networks.
How many Canadians have seen a UAP?
According to a survey conducted for the project, approximately 27% of Canadians claim to have seen an object in the sky they could not identify. However, only 10% of these witnesses formally reported their sighting to authorities.
Why do so few people report UAP sightings?
The low reporting rate is attributed to a lack of clear reporting channels and the fear of stigma or ridicule. Approximately 40% of survey respondents indicated they would not know who to contact if they witnessed a UAP.
What is the role of the National Research Council (NRC) regarding UAPs?
Historically, the NRC was the primary agency for collecting UAP reports from 1967 until 1995. Since ceasing this function, the NRC no longer actively collects data, and its historical files have been transferred to Library and Archives Canada.
How does Canada’s approach compare to France’s GEIPAN?
France’s GEIPAN is a dedicated unit within its space agency that has investigated UAPs since 1977 with a focus on transparency and scientific explanation. The Sky Canada Project cites GEIPAN as a positive model for Canada to emulate, contrasting with Canada’s current lack of a centralized system.
What are the risks of the current reporting gap?
The lack of a centralized reporting system results in lost data regarding atmospheric phenomena and potential aviation safety risks. It also creates an information vacuum that allows misinformation and conspiracy theories to proliferate on social media without official correction.
Will the public have access to UAP data under the new recommendations?
Yes, the recommendations emphasize that UAP data should be made available to the public and researchers. The report advocates for an “open by default” policy to foster transparency, citizen science, and independent academic analysis.
Appendix: Top 10 Frequently Searched Questions Answered in This Article
What is the difference between a UFO and a UAP?
UFO stands for Unidentified Flying Object, while UAP stands for Unidentified Aerial (or Anomalous) Phenomenon. The term UAP is now preferred by government and scientific bodies because it covers a broader range of observations, including lights and atmospheric effects, and carries less stigma than the term UFO.
How do I report a UAP sighting in Canada?
Currently, there is no single official government hotline for UAP reports. Sightings are often reported to local police, citizen groups like Ufology Research, or Transport Canada if they involve aviation safety, but the Sky Canada Project recommends establishing a dedicated official service for this purpose.
What happened in the Falcon Lake incident?
The Falcon Lake incident occurred in 1967 when Stefan Michalak claimed to encounter a landed craft in Manitoba that caused him physical burns. It remains one of Canada’s most famous historical UAP cases and was investigated by various authorities at the time.
Is the Canadian government hiding UAP evidence?
The Sky Canada Project report indicates that the lack of information is due to fragmentation and a failure to collect data rather than a coordinated cover-up. Reports are scattered across different departments without analysis, which the new recommendations intend to fix by creating a transparent central system.
What did the 2025 Sky Canada report say?
The report concluded that Canada’s UAP reporting system is disjointed and insufficient. It recommended creating a national office, likely under the Canadian Space Agency, to standardize data collection, support research, and communicate openly with the public.
Are pilots allowed to report UAPs?
Pilots can report sightings through the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System (CADORS), but few do so due to professional stigma. The Sky Canada Project recommends new policies to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to report sightings without fear of negative career consequences.
Does Canada work with the USA on UAPs?
While ad-hoc cooperation exists, Canada is moving toward formalizing collaboration with the U.S. All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). The recommendations call for structured information sharing with international allies to better understand global aerospace phenomena.
What is the connection between UAPs and national security?
While most UAPs are benign, unidentified objects in airspace can pose risks to aviation safety and national surveillance. Identifying these objects is essential for distinguishing between natural phenomena, harmless drones, and potential foreign surveillance technology.
Who is Mona Nemer?
Mona Nemer is the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, responsible for providing impartial scientific advice to the government. She spearheaded the Sky Canada Project to ensure that the government’s approach to UAPs is grounded in scientific rigour and evidence.
Why is citizen science important for UAPs?
Citizen science allows the public to contribute to data collection using standardized methods, vastly increasing the amount of information available for analysis. The Sky Canada Project promotes this as a way to engage the public and improve the quality of data regarding aerial phenomena.
