Surrey's Mayor Demands Federal Action as Extortion Crisis Escalates
Surrey's extortion crisis has pushed Mayor Brenda Locke to take urgent action. She is now in Ottawa to meet with federal officials, including the immigration minister, and demand stronger measures. Meanwhile, the B.C. government has appointed a former senior police officer to lead a new advisory group on the issue.
Mayor Locke's visit to the capital comes as Surrey faces growing threats from extortion schemes. She is calling for a national state of emergency and the creation of a dedicated extortion commissioner. Her discussions will include strategies to improve coordination between law enforcement and affected communities.
To tackle the problem locally, the province has named Paul Dadwal to head a new advisory group. Dadwal brings decades of policing experience, including a senior role with B.C.'s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. The group will focus on three key areas: policing tactics, community engagement, and clearer communication about extortion risks.
Premier David Eby has already raised concerns about the disconnect between police and residents. He stressed that better information-sharing is critical to protecting those targeted by criminals. The advisory group's recommendations will aim to close this gap, particularly in Surrey, where the crisis has hit hardest.
The government has made public safety in Surrey and other affected areas its main priority. Locke's federal meetings and Dadwal's advisory group signal a two-pronged approach to the problem. The next steps will depend on whether Ottawa responds to the call for a national strategy and how quickly local recommendations take effect.
