Following a recent U.S. congressional hearing on “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAPs), commonly known as unidentified flying objects (UFOs), a Canadian parliamentarian is calling for more government attention on the issue and to establish parallel research programs.
“When you see the information that’s come out of the United States, you'd have to take it seriously,” Maguire said. “We need to have a parallel program to what the United States already has.”
“We need to identify the origins and the intent of these UAPs, and that certainly can’t hurt anything.”
Footage of the unknown flying objects were shown during the hearing, to which there is no explanation for what they are, testified Scott Bray, deputy director of naval intelligence in the UAP Task Force (UAPTF), the Pentagon body responsible for UAP investigations.
Bray said the task force’s database on UAP sightings has now grown to approximately 400 reports since the release of its preliminary assessment in June 2021.
“Mr. Maguire is absolutely correct in his concern, because he knows that these reports do occur,” Elizondo told CTV News on May 17.
“I think the time has come for us to have an open and honest dialogue about this topic without fear of retribution, without stigma and associated taboo.”
In a recent op-ed, Maguire said the once-obscure subject is now being discussed by high-level military officials, and thus deserves serious attention from the Canadian government.
“For decades, the public has been told claims about UAP (what were once called UFOs) are either banal or altogether nonsense. It is now apparent there is something very real going on—something that warrants high-level briefings from military leaders,” he wrote.
“This deserves legitimate inquiries, and it is time to demand action from our government departments. Moreover, it’s time for them to engage with the scientific community in an open and transparent manner.”