CBC News recently uncovered additional information regarding the tragic incident involving the killing of a government worker by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer in 2022. The murder-suicide, which occurred three years ago in Prince Rupert, B.C., shocked the community.
The incident involved Siu Shen (Shawn) Yeung, a 44-year-old veteran border services officer, who fatally shot his ex-fiancée, Patricia (Patty) Foreman, 52, on November 21, 2022, while she was on her way to work at B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development. Yeung then turned the gun on himself, using his service weapon, a Beretta semi-automatic pistol, as revealed in the final report of a Canada Border Services Agency administrative and operational review.
The review highlighted that Yeung accessed the handgun from a restricted CBSA firearms lockup, despite being off duty for over a week, and had possession of the weapon for six hours before the tragic event unfolded. The CBSA officials were unaware of the missing service weapon until after the murder-suicide.
Following the investigation, CBSA implemented procedural changes and reinforced regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Recommendations included enhanced training for CBSA supervisors to identify mental health warning signs and provisions for mental health counseling for border services officers. However, specific details about Yeung’s mental health were redacted from the report.
Friends and colleagues described Foreman as a beloved member of the community, known for her roles as a mother, musician, and contributor to Prince Rupert’s arts scene. Her tragic death deeply impacted those who knew her, with B.C. Premier David Eby expressing concern over the violent act against someone dedicated to serving local families.
The report also highlighted security lapses in the CBSA’s handling of firearms, including malfunctioning CCTV cameras and inadequate threat risk assessments. Changes were recommended, such as regular password updates for secure areas and restrictions on off-duty officers accessing facilities during absences.
Despite concerns raised by Foreman’s best friend, Jewel Jerstad, about Yeung’s behavior and mental health, the CBSA declined to disclose information on Yeung’s mental state, citing privacy regulations. The incident raised calls for transparency and improved mental health support within the CBSA.
Although the RCMP concluded its investigation without charges due to Yeung’s death, calls for improved mental health support within the CBSA and acknowledgment of the incident’s impact on the community persist. Memories of Patty Forman remain cherished by her colleagues and loved ones in Prince Rupert.