Premier David Eby Unveils Plan to Combat Extortion Crisis in BC
Premier David Eby recently unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing extortion crisis in British Columbia, which he likened to a “slow-motion terror attack.” During a meeting with Surrey business leaders, Eby shared details about the province’s response to extortion activities.
One of the key announcements was the establishment of a community advisory group that will collaborate with BC’s Extortion Task Force. Eby emphasized the importance of including community members in efforts to combat extortion threats in the region south of the Fraser River, ensuring that frontline experiences are taken into account and gaps in services are addressed.
Moreover, Eby revealed an agreement with Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke to allow police board appointments to lapse, with future appointments requiring mutual agreement between the mayor’s office and the provincial government. The goal is to create a police board that reflects the community’s priorities and effectively directs policing policies in Surrey.
Mayor Locke, who is currently in Ottawa, is advocating for national action against extortion violence. She is pushing for the appointment of a Commissioner for Extortion Violence Against Canadians to oversee the deployment of federal resources in Surrey.
Looking ahead, Eby announced plans for a meeting of police leaders from various forces across the country, including the RCMP, to improve communication, information sharing, and resource allocation on a national level. He stressed the need for open lines of communication to enhance collaboration in combating extortion activities.
Additionally, Eby called on the federal government to expedite the approval of Bills C-12 and C-14, which aim to address loopholes and enhance law enforcement responses to extortion cases. While these bills have faced criticism from some groups, Eby expressed confidence that they will lead to improved outcomes in terms of arrests related to extortion.
Keyphrase: Extortion Crisis Response