Serena Vermeersch is shown in an RCMP handout photo.The Canadian Press
The family of a 17-year-old girl murdered as she walked home in suburban Surrey is saluting the activism to make the city safer that the "unacceptable" tragedy has prompted.
Serena Vermeersch's family made the point in a statement read out Sunday at a rally on community safety held in the Newton area of one of Canada's fastest-growing cities.
"We are aware that this tragedy has spurred into motion a movement to take back our city and make the streets safe once more for its residents," said the statement.
"It will not bring her back, but it would be heartening to know that another family will not be mourning the loss of a daughter and sister taken too soon."
Raymond Caissie, 43, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Ms. Vermeersch, who was found near some railway tracks the day after she was reported missing on Sept. 16.
The charge against Mr. Caissie has raised questions about how the release of high-risk offenders is handled, prompting comment from leaders ranging from federal Justice Minister Peter MacKay to B.C. Premier Christy Clark.
Mr. Caissie served 22 years for a sexual offence and was released in June, 2013 after serving his full sentence.
However, parole documents have suggested officials feared he would re-offend.
On Sunday, the statement of Ms. Vermeersch's family also acknowledged that many present for the gathering did not know Ms. Vermeersch.
"However, we are sure that everyone here can agree that what happened to her was unacceptable," it read.
Commenting on the case last Friday, Ms. Clark has said the province's justice minister has told Mr. MacKay that her government wants a "tougher system and a tougher set of rules for high-risk offenders who are a real danger to their communities. That has to fixed."
Ian Bailey