The warden of Pictou County says if he had a message to the community, it would be to protect our little ones.
Robert Parker made the statement in an interview with Acadia News, Friday, one year after two young children vanished from rural Nova Scotia.
He says families are here to help make sure children grow into successful adults.
“To think that two of our little ones disappeared off the face of the earth, or whatever happened to them, we’re all responsible for [them],” says Parker.
It was May 2, 2025, when Jack and Lilly Sullivan, four and six-years-old, reportedly wandered away from their home on Gairloch Road in Landsdowne Station.
They have not been seen since.
Parker says it’s disappointing to know it happened “right here in our own community” and could happen again “if we don’t do a better job of looking after our little ones.”
RCMP search for answers
The disappearance of Jack and Lilly triggered several large-scale searches by RCMP with helicopters, divers and cadaver dogs.
Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association/Facebook
All turned up nothing besides a pink blanket and one boot.
In a press conference Thursday, RCMP say they are still searching for answers and need facts to prove the case is criminal in nature.
To date, police have received thousands of videos and tips and have also used polygraph tests – some on those close to the children- in addition to more than 100 interviews.
Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon says they want answers as much as everybody else.
“We haven’t stopped and we won’t. We’ve engaged units from across Canada. We continue to engage those units to support us where needed,” explains McCamon.
RCMP say it is extremely rare for a brother and sister to disappear without a trace.
Vigil
To mark the one year since Jack and Lilly went missing, the community will hold a vigil.
The last vigil that was held for the children was in October, to honour Jack’s fifth birthday.
Parker says this one it will be at the RCMP station in Stellarton.
“They did have a big show of flowers and teddy bears and stuff there, but it had to be taken down for the winter,” says Parker.
Community members, he says, have mixed feelings that there are still no answers including disappointment and frustration.
“Mostly, I think it’s sadness over what happened and why,” explains Parker.
Although he does say there is a sliver of hope that Jack and Lilly are safe somewhere.
“That sliver of hope gets thinner, I think, as the whole year goes by and as each day goes by,” says Parker.
The vigil will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday.
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