B.C. Premier Establishes Advisory Panel to Enhance Police Response to Extortion Crimes
In a move aimed at addressing growing concerns over extortion threats, Premier David Eby has announced the formation of a community advisory group. This panel is designed to help police better understand and communicate with victims of extortion, particularly within the Punjabi Canadian business community. The initiative seeks to ensure that public concerns are heard by the B.C. extortion task force, which is led by the RCMP.
Addressing Inconsistent Police Responses
Eby highlighted the need for this advisory group after hearing stories from families who reported extortion threats but received inconsistent responses from law enforcement. "I heard stories about families who call in extortion threats who are not being met with a consistent response," Eby stated on Tuesday. "The response varies, and it may or may not include the level of services that we would all expect when we call police for assistance." The premier emphasized that the group will work directly with police to bridge this gap and improve front-line experiences for victims.
Critics Label the Move as Too Little, Too Late
Despite the premier's intentions, the announcement has faced sharp criticism from political opponents. B.C. Conservatives' interim leader Trevor Halford argued that communities have been demanding action for nearly a year, with business owners and families living in fear. "This announcement doesn’t change what’s happening on the ground," Halford said. "There’s nothing new here that actually stops extortion, interrupts organized crime, or protects people who are living in fear." Similarly, MLA Steve Kooner, opposition critic for the Attorney General, called the advisory committee a source of false hope, noting that it fails to address immediate safety concerns or transparency issues.
Extortion Crisis in Surrey and Beyond
The advisory panel comes amid a surge in extortion cases, especially in Surrey, which has been identified as a hot spot for such crimes. As of Monday, Surrey police reported 46 extortions this year alone, with 11 involving shootings and three occurring in the past week. A total of 29 individuals have been threatened, including 17 repeat victims. In response, various police forces have established task forces:
- The Surrey Police Service launched its own task force, with some members also serving on the B.C. extortion task force.
- Abbotsford Police initiated a task force following reports of extortion crimes in that city.
Eby expressed concern over inconsistent communications between the B.C. task force and the Surrey Police Service, underscoring the need for better coordination.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
The members of the advisory committee have not yet been announced, but Eby confirmed that the chair will be named on Wednesday. "We will be selecting community members who will work with police to ensure that they understand the front-line experience of people related to the extortion threats," he added. The premier hopes this step will help the community feel safer, though critics remain skeptical about its effectiveness in combating organized crime and providing tangible protection for residents.
