The National DNA Data Bank of Canada (NDDB) is a national DNA Database that was set up in 2000. Managed by the RCMP, it provide matches to convicted offenders and offer a memory repository for cold cases.[1] The database hold 693,863 DNA profiles as of July 15, 2024.[2]
The first DNA analysis in Canada for investigative purposes was in April of 1989. The RCMP utilized the method to aid in the investigation of a sexual assault in Ottawa, Ontario. The suspect in the case denied allegations made by the victim. Subsequent use of DNA forensic analysis confirmed the suspect to be the perpetrator.[3]
In 1995, Bill C-104 was unanimously passed by the parliament. This enabled provincial court judges to issue police warrants for obtaining biological samples from suspects in a criminal investigation.[4]
In 1998, the DNA Identification Act was enacted by the parliament. The Act established a new law governing the creation and administration of a national DNA database. It updated the Criminal Code to allow a judge to authorize collection of bodily substances from a person found guilty of designated offences. Same year, after the Swissair Flight 111 disaster, a special DNA typing task force led by the RCMP used the technology to help identify human remains.[5]
In 2000, National DNA Data Bank was officially launched. The legislation enabled this time, allowed military judges to make post-conviction DNA data bank orders.[6]
National Missing Persons DNA Program (NMPDP) is an initiative established by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2018 to support missing persons and unidentified remains investigations.[7]