Political Leaders Condemn RCMP Characterization of Surrey Extortion Violence
Premier David Eby, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, and Surrey Councillor Mandeep Nagra voiced significant concern on Wednesday following controversial comments from B.C. RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, who described the city's recent extortion-related shootings as "not a crisis." The political leaders warned that such characterization could seriously undermine public confidence during a period of escalating gun violence in the region.
Premier Eby's Strong Rebuttal to RCMP Assessment
"It's hard to think of a situation where you're unable to do business, you don't feel comfortable in your own home, you're facing gunshots, and where residents in their homes are shooting back at people who are shooting at their homes, as anything other than a crisis," Premier Eby stated emphatically. He further questioned Brewer's suitability for leadership, suggesting that if the assistant commissioner doesn't recognize the urgency of the situation, "perhaps he is not the right person to head up this task force."
Eby emphasized during a news conference that the provincial task force was specifically established "to respond to a crisis," and expressed concern that Brewer's remarks could erode public trust in law enforcement's commitment to addressing the violence.
Surrey's Escalating Extortion Problem
The controversy emerges against a backdrop of increasing extortion-related violence in Surrey. Police data reveals concerning statistics:
- 132 extortion attempts reported in 2025
- 49 of those attempts involved shootings
- 8 additional extortion cases already reported in early 2026
- 35th suspected extortion case of 2026 reported just hours before Brewer's comments
Brewer made his controversial statement during a Tuesday news conference when questioned about whether police had lost control of public safety in Surrey. He contrasted the extortion situation with other public safety issues, stating: "This is not a crisis. A crisis is what's happening out there with drug overdoses — that's a crisis, people are dying. This is a threat to public safety, absolutely, and I take it very seriously."
RCMP Walk Back and Apology
By Wednesday afternoon, Brewer had retracted his remarks, issuing a formal apology. "I want to apologize for challenging the term 'crisis' yesterday, as it has become the focus and called into question the RCMP's commitment to addressing extortions in B.C. That was not my intention," Brewer stated. He acknowledged that his comments had negatively impacted public confidence rather than providing reassurance.
Brewer emphasized that "extortions remain one of our highest priorities" and that the task force's commitment to addressing the ongoing threats and violence "has not wavered." He noted that the operational response had never been limited by terminology.
Task Force Operations and Results
The provincial extortion task force, established in September, brings together multiple law enforcement agencies including the RCMP, municipal police departments, transit police, and the Canada Border Services Agency. According to RCMP data:
- Task force investigators have handled 32 cases across the Lower Mainland
- Charges have been approved against seven individuals
- 111 foreign nationals are under investigation for potential inadmissibility to Canada
- Nine individuals have already been removed from the country
The situation continues to develop as Surrey residents and business owners face ongoing threats, with recent incidents including a shooting at a business on King George Boulevard and another at a residence near Bear Creek Park.
