Canada’s top scientist has released a groundbreaking Canadian UFO report that calls for the creation of a dedicated federal agency to handle sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena. The document, produced under the Sky Canada Project, emphasizes the importance of systematic investigation into these mysterious events to enhance scientific understanding and public transparency.
The Canadian UFO report reveals that current methods for reporting unidentified aerial phenomena are fragmented and insufficient, leading to lost opportunities for research. Led by Chief Science Advisor Mona Nemer, the Sky Canada Project reviewed existing practices and proposed solutions to address these shortcomings.
Release of the Canadian UFO Report
In July 2025, Dr. Mona Nemer, Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, published the report titled “Management of Public Reporting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in Canada.” This marks the first comprehensive official examination of UFOs—now termed unidentified aerial phenomena or UAP—in decades. The release comes amid growing public fascination with unexplained sky events, spurred by developments in the United States and elsewhere.
The report addresses fundamental questions:
- Who reports these phenomena?
- What processes exist for handling them?
- When and where do sightings occur most often?
- Why is a better system needed?
- How can Canada improve its approach?
It was developed after extensive consultations with federal agencies, experts, and the public, including a national survey that highlighted widespread interest.
Nemer explained in the report’s introduction, “Our goal was to find the current resources and processes in place for handling and following up on UAP reports, to compare them with the best practices in other countries, and to make recommendations for potential improvements.” She stressed that a structured system would help demystify these occurrences and foster informed discussion.
The timing is significant. Recent U.S. congressional hearings on UAP, along with videos captured by military pilots, have heightened global awareness. In Canada, estimates suggest up to 1,000 sightings annually, yet many go unreported due to lack of clear channels.
Key Recommendations from the Sky Canada Project
The Sky Canada Project outlines several practical recommendations to overhaul unidentified aerial phenomena reporting. Central to these is the establishment of a lead federal department or agency responsible for managing UAP data. The Canadian Space Agency is highlighted as a strong candidate, given its expertise in aerospace and space sciences.
Another key proposal is the creation of a dedicated service to collect, investigate, and publicly share analyses of UAP reports. This would include developing a user-friendly, bilingual mobile app for submissions from civilians, pilots, military personnel, and law enforcement. The goal is to standardize data collection and enable rigorous scientific analysis.
The report also urges Transport Canada to promote reporting among aviation professionals without fear of stigmatization. “Encouraging pilots, cabin crews, and air traffic controllers to report UAP sightings can provide valuable data while reducing distractions in flight,” the document states. Additionally, it calls for proactive government communication to combat disinformation and build public trust.
These suggestions draw from the project’s findings that current fragmentation hinders the application of scientific principles. By implementing them, Canada could position itself as a leader in the global effort to understand unidentified aerial phenomena.
Challenges in Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Reporting
Canada’s existing framework for unidentified aerial phenomena is spread across multiple entities, including Transport Canada, the Department of National Defence, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and NAV CANADA. However, investigations only occur if a sighting poses an immediate safety or security risk. This results in inconsistent data that researchers find difficult to compile and study.
The Canadian UFO report notes that while most sightings can be explained as drones, aircraft, or natural phenomena like weather events, a small fraction remain unexplained even after thorough review. Expert Chris Rutkowski, who has documented over 25,000 Canadian UAP cases over 35 years, told reporters, “There is some evidence that there’s something really unusual going on in the skies. We just don’t have enough information.”
A public survey commissioned for the Sky Canada Project revealed that 25 percent of Canadians have witnessed a UAP in their lifetime, but only 10 percent reported it. Forty percent said they would not know whom to contact. This underreporting contributes to a cycle where valuable insights are missed, and conspiracy theories fill the void.
The lack of a centralized system also exacerbates misinformation. Without transparent processes, public skepticism grows, undermining confidence in official explanations. The report warns that this can lead to broader issues, such as reduced cooperation in national security matters.
UAP Investigations in Canada
Canada’s involvement with unidentified aerial phenomena dates back to the mid-20th century. In the early 1950s, the federal government launched Project Magnet and Project Second Storey to study UFO reports amid Cold War concerns. By 1967, responsibility shifted to the National Research Council, which collaborated with the RCMP to collect and analyze sightings.
This centralized effort continued until 1995, when the National Research Council ceased routine reporting. Since then, no single entity has overseen public UAP submissions, leading to the current patchwork approach. The Sky Canada Project revives this legacy by advocating for renewed, science-based inquiry.
Notable historical cases, such as the 1967 Falcon Lake incident in Manitoba—where a prospector reported burns from a close encounter—underscore the intrigue. While skeptics attribute many events to misidentifications, the persistence of unexplained cases suggests the value of ongoing study. The Canadian UFO report builds on this history, emphasizing that past initiatives provided useful data despite limited technology.
Public Views and International Approaches
Public opinion strongly supports action on unidentified aerial phenomena. The Earnscliffe Strategies survey for the Sky Canada Project found that 50 percent of respondents believe there are organizations investigating UAP in Canada, though most cannot name them. Half feel the government should address sightings, with 55 percent favoring a dedicated reporting agency and 71 percent wanting public access to information.
Internationally, several nations offer models for Canada. The United States established the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office in 2022 to handle military UAP reports, focusing on national security. France’s GEIPAN, operated by the national space agency since 1977, investigates civilian cases and publishes findings to promote transparency. Chile’s aviation authority maintains a unit for studying UAP impacts on flight safety.
The report recommends Canada collaborate with these partners to share methodologies and data. This could accelerate discoveries and align with global standards. Experts argue that such cooperation is essential, as UAP often cross borders and require collective expertise.
Future Steps
Adopting the Sky Canada Project’s recommendations could yield significant advantages. Enhanced reporting would improve airspace security by identifying potential threats, such as unauthorized drones or foreign technology. It might also uncover scientific insights into atmospheric phenomena or advanced engineering.
Moreover, a transparent system would encourage curiosity about the unknown, inspiring future scientists. “Investigating UAP reports may also enhance airspace security by identifying threats, thus strengthening national security,” the report states. By leaning into open-minded inquiry, Canada could transform unexplained sightings into opportunities for wonder and progress.
The federal government has not yet committed to the proposals, but Nemer’s office stands ready to provide further guidance. In the meantime, the Canadian UFO report serves as a catalyst for change, inviting Canadians to consider the possibilities beyond the ordinary.
