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by Janie A. Duncan In missing persons investigations involving water, one of the most persistent questions is when a body will surface. It is a question often shaped by assumption rather than science. The reality is far more complex, particularly in colder climates such as Winnipeg, where environmental conditions can significantly delay recovery. When a person enters the water, the body will typically sink. This occurs because the lungs no longer contain air and the natural d

by Janie A. Duncan The Toronto Police Service “Missing and Missed” review stands as one of the most significant examinations of missing persons investigations in Canadian history. It is not simply a report filled with recommendations. It is a public acknowledgment that, for years, critical failures existed within investigative practices—failures that impacted real families searching for answers. At its core, the review forced an uncomfortable but necessary question into the s

The role of investigators in litigation is not simply to gather information but to establish facts in a manner that can be relied upon in a court of law.

Janie A. Duncan, President In an increasingly complex world, decisions—whether legal, corporate, or financial—cannot be made on surface-level information alone. Access to reliable intelligence is no longer optional; it is essential. This is where strategic investigations play a critical role. Duncan Investigations Inc. partners with legal counsel, corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies to provide accurate, actionable intelligence across more than 195 co

By Janie A. Duncan, President of Duncan Investigations Inc. In Canadian criminal law, few cases have had the lasting impact of R. v. Stinchcombe. For legal professionals, investigators, and anyone concerned with justice, this decision is more than just precedent—it is a safeguard against wrongful convictions and a cornerstone of fairness. At Duncan Investigations Inc., we see firsthand how disclosure, or the lack of it, can significantly influence the outcome of a case. The S

Workplace investigations often navigate a complex intersection of labour law, privacy legislation, and evidentiary rules. A notable example of this interplay is the 2013 British Columbia Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) decision in Ikea Canada Limited Partnership v Teamsters Local Union No. 213 . The case provides critical guidance for unions, employers, and workplace investigators on the admissibility of evidence obtained through surveillance during labour disputes. Background

In venture capital, success is often framed as the ability to identify the next great opportunity. In reality, it is just as much about avoiding the wrong one. Behind every investment decision lies a critical process—due diligence. While financial projections, pitch decks, and market potential are carefully reviewed, experienced investors understand that the greatest risks are often hidden beneath the surface. At Duncan Investigations Inc. , we have seen firsthand that effect

The role of a private investigator in the criminal justice system is both valuable and delicate. Investigators are often relied upon by defence counsel to locate witnesses, test evidence, and uncover facts that may not be readily available through traditional channels. However, the case of R. v. Dubros  demonstrates how quickly that role can shift from legitimate fact-finding into criminal exposure when boundaries are not carefully maintained. This case arose from the actions

Voice-cloning scams are becoming one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud because they exploit something most people trust instinctively: the sound of a familiar voice. With just a few seconds of audio pulled from social media, voicemail greetings, or video clips, scammers can now create convincing synthetic voices that mimic a loved one, a coworker, or even a business executive. How voice cloning scams work Modern artificial intelligence tools can analyze a short audio samp

In venture capital, decisions are often made quickly, under pressure, and in highly competitive environments. Investors are frequently presented with compelling narratives, polished pitch decks, and ambitious projections. While these elements are important, they rarely tell the full story. In many cases, the real risks lie beneath what is immediately visible. Because of this, due diligence is not just a procedural step—it is a critical safeguard in protecting capital, reputa

How Canadian Courts View Private Investigators in Workplace Investigations The Supreme Court of Canada decision in Honda Canada Inc. v. Keays  remains one of the most important employment law cases addressing how employers can investigate employees, particularly where surveillance and private investigative techniques are used in workplace disputes. For employers, HR professionals, and investigators, this case provides important guidance on what courts consider reasonable when

In the world of investigations, few cases demonstrate the consequences of premature conclusions more clearly than the Richard Jewell case. In 1996, during the Atlanta Olympic Games, a security guard named Richard Jewell discovered a suspicious backpack containing a bomb. Acting quickly, he alerted authorities and helped evacuate the area—actions that undoubtedly saved lives. Within days, however, the narrative shifted. Jewell went from hero to suspect. When the Focus Turns T

I In a recent arbitration decision involving  BC Place  and the  BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) , Arbitrator Mark J. Brown provided a clear reminder of the limits of employer surveillance and the importance of respecting the exclusive jurisdiction of workers’ compensation authorities. Case Background Farid Nadem, an employee at BC Place, suffered a workplace injury in May 2023. His claim was accepted by  WorkSafe BC (WSBC) , which determined he was entitled to wage-loss