Federal public safety minister shares condolences on fallen Burnaby Mountie
Posted October 22, 2022 9:04 am.
Canada’s Minister of Public Safety is sharing his condolences to those who knew Burnaby RCMP officer Const. Shaelyn (Tzu-Hsin) Yang.
At an announcement Friday morning, Marco Mendicino expressed his sympathies to Yang’s father and her partner, saying he was struck by the 31-year-old’s dedication and passion for helping those with mental health issues.
“Had she not stood up with bravery and courage, more lives would have been lost,” he said.
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Mendicino adds he recognizes the importance that Yang’s work had in the community.
Yang was fatally stabbed during an altercation Tuesday morning. She had been called to assist a Burnaby city parks employee after there were reports of a man in a tent at Broadview Park in the area of Canada Way just after 11 a.m.
Mendicino spoke before a funeral procession held for the constable on Friday afternoon. He said he visited the RCMP detachment that Yang was a part of earlier in the week, saying her team described her as being a “warrior.”
“Women and men who put on the uniform, who put on the badge, who are trying to keep our community safe, who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice every day,” Mendicino said.
He also says that he recognizes officers’ important role in the community.
The minister was one of many throughout the week who have expressed their condolences to the fallen Mountie.
On Thursday, a procession of uniformed first responders lined the streets as Yang’s body was taken from Vancouver General to Burnaby Hospital.
In the B.C. Legislature on Wednesday, MLA Elenor Sturko, a former RCMP officer, delivered an emotional statement remembering Yang.
The suspect in Yang’s death was charged with first-degree murder when he appeared in court on Wednesday.
With files from Sonia Aslam and Robyn Crawford
