Surrey Council Demands Federal Emergency Declaration to Combat Escalating Extortion Crisis
The City of Surrey has taken an unprecedented step in calling upon the federal government to declare a state of emergency to address what municipal leaders describe as an "acute and escalating" extortion crisis affecting both residents and businesses throughout the community.
Unanimous Motion for Federal Intervention
During a council meeting on Monday night, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke introduced a motion that received unanimous support from council members. The motion specifically urges Ottawa to step in as the extortion-related shootings, threats, and intimidation tactics have "exceeded the capacity of municipal government and conventional policing responses."
"It's crucial we do this now and quickly in our city," Mayor Locke emphasized during the council session before presenting the formal request for federal assistance.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Growing Threat
The urgency of the situation is underscored by concerning statistics from local law enforcement:
- The Surrey Police Service reported 132 extortion attempts in the previous year, with 49 of those cases involving shootings
- In 2026 alone, there have already been 36 documented extortion cases
- Eight separate shootings have been linked to extortion activities this year
These incidents include high-profile cases such as the January 14 shooting that damaged the front window of Bhojan Sweets and Restaurants on King George Boulevard, and the January 20 shooting at Skyline Auto Group that authorities suspect was extortion-related.
Specific Requests for Federal Action
The motion outlines several specific measures that Surrey council members believe are necessary to combat the crisis:
- Appointment of an extortion commissioner to oversee immediate deployment of additional RCMP federal organized crime unit members and intelligence resources to Surrey
- Fast-tracking removal proceedings for non-Canadians charged or convicted in extortion-related shootings
- Expanding immediate detention and inadmissibility powers under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for individuals linked to extortion or violence
- Requiring quarterly updates to Canadians on progress in addressing the crisis
Contrasting Perspectives on Crisis Severity
The council's urgent request comes amid conflicting assessments of the situation's severity. Last week, B.C. RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, who heads the provincial extortion task force, described the continuing violence as a "threat to public safety" but "not a crisis."
This characterization drew immediate criticism from municipal politicians and Premier David Eby, who expressed concern that such statements could undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Call for Collaborative Government Response
Councillor Harry Bains emphasized the need for coordinated action, stating that Surrey is facing a genuine crisis that "can only be solved by collaboration and co-operation by all levels of government, not finger pointing."
The unanimous council motion represents a significant escalation in municipal efforts to address what community leaders characterize as a growing threat to public safety and economic stability in Surrey.
