Death in Prince Albert underscores need for inquiry

Monica Burns, 28, from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, was found dead Jan. 17 on a remote snowmobile trail northwest of Prince Albert. On Jan. 28, RCMP arrested Todd Daniel McKeaveney, 38, of Prince Albert, charged with second-degree murder in Burns’ death. RCMP said there was no evidence to indicate McKeaveney knew Burns previously.

Prince Albert RCMP were joined by RCMP Major Crime Unit North in the investigation. Burns was a sex trade worker known to police. Since Burns’ body was discovered, her family has been raising awareness of the issue and joining calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

RCMP praised Burns’ family and the general public for their support in the investigation. Shirley Henderson, chair of the Prince Albert Grand Council’s women’s commission, said Burns’ death has served as “another wake-up call” to Prince Albert residents that the city is still not safe for Aboriginal women, and people need to continue pressuring the federal government and work to create programs for those who end up on the street.