Premier Eby vows to improve Surrey Police communication and community focus amid rising extortion targeting local businesses.
Premier Eby Takes Aim at Surrey Police Over Communication Gaps
Premier David Eby is turning the spotlight on the Surrey Police Service and its governing board. During a meeting Tuesday with Surrey business leaders, he highlighted growing concerns over extortion targeting South Asian businesses and residents.
Eby called out “inconsistent communications” between the Surrey Police Service and the provincial extortion task force. “When messages aren’t aligned, the community feels confused and unsupported. That is not acceptable,” he said, stressing the need for coordinated action on this critical issue.
Collaborating with Surrey’s Mayor to Close Gaps
Eby also met with Mayor Brenda Locke to discuss how the Surrey Police Service can become more responsive to community needs. “The goal is to deliver what local policing is meant to be—policing that reflects the priorities and concerns of the community,” he said.
Part of this effort includes reforming the Surrey Police Board. Eby noted that some board appointments had lapsed, leaving several seats vacant. Moving forward, any new appointments will require agreement between the mayor’s office and the provincial government, ensuring the board mirrors community priorities.
Board Vacancies and Meeting Changes
The Surrey Police Board’s regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, has been canceled. The board cited that key contributors were unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. A special meeting will be scheduled, with the next regular session set for March 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Councillor Rob Stutt, the council’s representative on the board, and executive director Jason Kuzminski were unavailable for comment.
Mayor Locke Backs Provincial Collaboration
While in Ottawa seeking federal support to tackle extortion, Mayor Locke released a statement supporting the collaboration with the province on the police board. “It’s essential that the board fully reflects the community and its public safety priorities,” she said.
Locke also emphasized improving communication between residents, business owners, and the B.C. Extortion Task Force. “We must amplify the voices of those affected by extortion and violence, and regular updates from police are key,” she added.
A Step Toward Safer Streets
With the provincial government and City of Surrey working together, Eby and Locke aim to close the gap between police policy and public expectations. Their joint efforts signal a commitment to creating a policing model that listens, acts, and protects the community, especially those hit hardest by ongoing extortion.
