Statement

For Immediate Release

April 17, 2024

Ottawa, ON– Mel Arnold, Member of Parliament for North Okanagan-Shuswap, released the following statement today regarding the ongoing Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigation into the alleged abduction and death of Tatjana Stefanski in the Lumby, B.C. area:

“I was alarmed to learn of the disappearance of Tatjana Stefanski last week and I share in the shock that the news has caused across our communities, especially for her family and loved ones to whom I offer my deepest condolences as this investigation unfolds.

“As the representative for the North Okanagan-Shuswap elected to the federal legislative branch of government, I am committed to do all that I can to support the ongoing investigation and future steps to ensure justice is served.

“Although the RCMP is aligned under the executive branch of the federal government, I stand ready to advocate to the Prime Minister and Cabinet of the executive branch on behalf of the RCMP who are leading and executing the ongoing investigation should the RCMP identify to me the need for such support.

“The impacts of violence, especially domestic violence and violence against women and girls must motivate all of us to do our upmost to prevent violence in our society.  

“I will be following this investigation as it evolves and if federal laws need to be strengthened to prevent the heartbreak, violence, and injustice inflicted on victims and their loved ones and communities, I am committed, as an elected federal legislator, to doing so.”