Surrey mayor calls for national commissioner to tackle extortion crisis

Posted by ReyFort Media

Surrey, B.C. – Mayor Brenda Locke is calling on the federal government to take immediate action and implement a full-scale national initiative to stop the extortions and violence targeting residents, business owners, and communities across Canada.

At a trilateral summit in Surrey on Nov. 28, 2025, the federal and provincial governments expressed their commitment to ending this violence and meet again in 90 days. Since then, the problem has escalated. The number of extortions reported across Canada since 2023 is approaching 1,500, with 34 cases in Surrey in the last three weeks alone.

“This is unlike anything Surrey has faced before. Residents and business owners are living in constant fear, and our communities cannot wait any longer,” Mayor Locke said. “Police are working hard, but we need a coordinated, nationwide approach that prevents these crimes and protects Canadians.”

In a letter dated Jan. 21, 2026, Mayor Locke urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to appoint a national extortion commissioner to bring together police, experts, governments, and community leaders to identify the root causes of extortion and develop immediate, concrete solutions.

“This role should have the authority to examine the obvious gaps in our criminal, immigration, and citizenship systems and lead a national response that actually stops these crimes from happening,” the mayor said.

“Our laws are simply too weak. Canadian law enforcement tools are not enough to protect the public from the magnitude of extortion and violence we are experiencing. Surrey is entering the third year of this crisis. We need strong federal leadership to protect Canadian communities and restore public confidence.”

Mayor Locke is scheduled to discuss these recommendations at an upcoming federal meeting in Ottawa. (City of Surrey)