Owen Sound Police Services say all efforts are being expended to find a 19-year-old soldier from Cape Breton who has gone missing in Ontario.

During a news conference Tuesday evening, Deputy Chief Vince Wurfel said Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Armed Forces are helping in search efforts to try to find the soldier. Pte. Andrew Fitzgerald was last seen around 4:30 a.m. ET Saturday at a Petro-Canada gas station in Owen Sound.

"We have done extensive ground searches so far, primarily in the east side of Owen Sound down to the shoreline and that includes searches of the water. We have also utilized a K-9 unit, a helicopter and an underwater rescue unit from Ontario Provincial Police," said Wurfel.

Fitzgerald enlisted in January

Fitzgerald is from Cape North, N.S., according to a fundraising page set up to help his parents with expenses.

Fitzgerald graduated Friday from a basic trade qualification course known as Development Period One Infantry, a Department of National Defence spokesman confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

His parents attended the graduation ceremony, the GoFundMe page said, held at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, Ont., about 30 kilometres from Owen Sound.

Fitzgerald was scheduled to fly to Fredericton on Saturday, the Defence Department said.

Fitzgerald has been missing from Owen Sound, Ont., since early Saturday morning. (Owen Sound Police Service/GoFundMe)

There, he was to join 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, a regular force army infantry unit based in Gagetown, N.B.

Fitzgerald had enlisted in January.

Search underway

Fitzgerald was last seen wearing civilian clothing, including a black baseball hat, a red plaid button-up shirt, a white T-shirt, beige pants and black sneakers. He's described as six foot two and 180 pounds.

Police are asking people in the area to check their properties for Fitzgerald or his clothing.

Armed Forces members have joined local and provincial police in the search. (Garry Asselstine)

A total of 79 Canadian Armed Forces members have joined local and provincial police to search for him. Another 40 soldiers are on standby to help.

'An extremely difficult time'

"This is an extremely difficult time for Andrew's family and friends and extended family. I would like to thank the Owen Sound Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the public and the communities involved in trying to locate our brother in arms," said Lt.-Col. Christian Lillington, commanding officer of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, Ont.

Owen Sound police said they think Fitzgerald is travelling by foot, but do not know his direction.

Lillington said there is no reason to believe Fitzgerald is a threat to the public. He said he did not have any military weapons in his possession and that he completed the security screening required to serve in the military.

During the course of his employment in the Canadian Armed Forces, Fitzgerald did not complete an overseas mission, Lillington said.

"We will continue to assist the local authorities any way possible. We are sincerely thankful for all the efforts and support to date. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew's parents at this time," said Lillington.

Family support

The GoFundMe page set up for family expenses has raised $6,445, more than the $5,000 goal, and was closed. A second fund was opened, with donations quickly surpassing another goal for $4,000.

Fitzgerald's family have asked for privacy, but said they are grateful for the support.

A prayer service is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Cape North Cultural Centre.