PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – A devastating murder-suicide that occurred in Prince Rupert in 2022, involving a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer’s service weapon, has resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of the federal agency’s protocols for firearms security and employee well-being.
The CBSA commissioned an independent review following the tragic death of Patricia Forman, 52, who was shot by her ex-fiancé, border services officer Siu Shen (Shawn) Yeung, before he turned his service weapon on himself. The incident occurred publicly at the Ocean Centre Mall on November 21, 2022, sending shockwaves through the Prince Rupert community.
Honouring Patricia Forman
Patricia Forman was a highly respected and beloved member of the community. She was a cornerstone of Prince Rupert’s arts and cultural scene, known as a gifted singer and musician. She worked at B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Her best friend, Jewel Jerstad, remembered her as an immensely talented and caring person. “Patty was one of the most amazing women I have ever known,” Jerstad said. “She was a mother, sister, aunt and best friend—gone, taken by a coward. I talk about her everyday to make sure her name is never forgotten.”
Systemic Failure in Firearms Security
The independent review revealed a critical lapse in security protocols. Despite being off-duty, the officer was able to obtain his assigned service weapon from a secure storage area and keep it with him for six hours. CBSA officials only learned the gun was missing after the fact.
The final report contains 27 findings and six recommendations aimed at preventing such a tragedy from re-occurring.
In response, the CBSA has implemented a series of immediate and structural changes:
- Strengthened Firearms Access: Policy has been updated to strengthen the monitoring of and access to CBSA duty firearms, including changes to permissions and accountability for off-site transport and storage.
- Mental Health Intervention: A comprehensive guide has been developed for supervisors on the defensive equipment removal process, which includes how to recognize warning signs of mental health that may require intervention.
- Enhanced Training: The agency has mandated more detailed training for new and existing officers on the process for removing defensive equipment.
- Audit and Monitoring: The CBSA has updated its Policy on Physical Security and its Closed Circuit Television program. It also initiated an audit of duty firearms and began collecting more detailed statistics on defensive equipment removal to identify trends and support safe workplaces.
“An independent administrative review process plays a key role in ensuring that the Canada Border Service Agency supports the principles of responsibility, accountability and transparency,” the final report concluded, framing the changes as a crucial “lessons learned” approach following the tragic circumstances.
