Chilliwack MP Mark Strahl introduces motion to expand criteria for Amber Alerts to include adults

if (Array.isArray(socast_page.categories) && socast_page.categories.some(category => category.includes('FraserValleyToday'))) { $(document).on('pjax:end', function() { const newPath = window.location.pathname + window.location.search + window.location.hash; window.location.href = 'https://fraservalleytoday.ca' + newPath; } }

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack-Hope MP Mark Strahl has introduced a motion in the House of Commons that could pave the way for a missing adult alert system across all of Canada.

According to a news release from his office, Strahl made a statement Monday (Nov. 27) honouring Chilliwack resident Alina Durham for her continued advocacy of missing person alerts for adults.

“I rise to pay tribute to my constituent, Alina Durham, for her tireless efforts to bring attention to the issue of adult missing persons,” Strahl’s statement read. “Her daughter Shaelene Keeler Bell was reported missing on January 30, 2021. Tragically, Shaelene’s body was found several months later in the Fraser River. Alina has used her personal tragedy to draw attention to a gap in Canada’s missing persons protocols. Right now, Amber Alerts are only issued if the victim is under the age of 18. There is no Amber Alert system for adults.”

Strahl’s private bill calls on the federal government to collaborate with provinces and territories to see a nationwide Amber Alert for people 18 years and older.

“To honour Shaelene’s memory I’ve introduced a private member’s motion M-89 which calls on the government to work with the provinces and territories to expand protections for victims of crime over the age of 18 by amending the criteria for the activation of an AMBER Alert for missing persons,” Strahl said. “I want to thank Alina for her advocacy for missing adults and hope that all Members of this House will join me in supporting my private member’s motion in honour of Shaelene. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”