SURREY, B.C. — Brenda Locke is urging the federal government to take immediate national action to address a surge in extortion-related violence that has left residents and business owners in Surrey and other Canadian cities fearing for their safety.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Surrey mayor said the scope and severity of the violence require a coordinated response from Ottawa, including the appointment of a national extortion commissioner with the authority to address systemic gaps in enforcement and prevention.
Locke said extortion incidents in Surrey have escalated rapidly since late November, despite meetings between federal, provincial, and municipal leaders. Police have recorded roughly three dozen extortion attempts in the city during the first three weeks of January alone, with eight incidents involving gunfire directed at homes or businesses.
“This is unlike anything Surrey has faced before,” Locke said. “People are living in constant fear, and our communities cannot wait any longer for action.”
Call for federal leadership
In a letter sent to Gary Anandasangaree, Locke called for the creation of a national extortion commissioner who would lead a Canada-wide strategy to disrupt organized extortion networks.
She said the role should include reviewing weaknesses in criminal law, immigration enforcement, and citizenship screening, adding that current tools available to law enforcement are insufficient to confront the scale of the threat.
“Our laws are too weak for what we are facing,” Locke said. “This violence demands a response that matches its national reach.”
Federal response and police investigations
A spokesperson for the federal public safety minister said Ottawa remains committed to holding those responsible accountable and emphasized that extortion will not be tolerated under Canadian law.
Police across multiple provinces are continuing investigations. Earlier this week, the RCMP said officers are actively pursuing extortion suspects in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
Assistant Commissioner John Brewer said investigators are working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency, which is currently reviewing the immigration status of more than 100 foreign nationals linked to extortion-related cases.
Brewer said nine individuals have already been deported, while seven others face criminal charges.
“Making a refugee claim does not exempt anyone from the consequences of criminal activity,” Brewer said during a news conference.
Ongoing concerns
The latest developments come four months after the creation of the B.C. Extortion Task Force, which was established to address rising threats primarily targeting South Asian communities. Despite arrests and deportations, officials acknowledge the violence has not yet slowed.
Locke said a national approach is now essential to prevent further escalation and restore confidence among affected communities.
“Our residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and businesses,” she said. “That will not happen without decisive federal leadership.”
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