January 21, 2026
Parteek Singh Mahal
Mayor Brenda Locke on Wednesday issued a scathing response to B.C. RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer’s claim that the recent wave of extortion-related shootings does not constitute a “crisis.”
Speaking at a press briefing, Mayor Locke expressed “extraordinary disappointment” in the leadership of B.C.’s Extortion Task Force, arguing that the RCMP is fundamentally failing to grasp the fear gripping the city.
The controversy began Tuesday when Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, head of the task force, told reporters that while the shootings are a threat to public safety, they do not reach the level of a “crisis” compared to the provincial drug overdose epidemic.
Mayor Locke fired back, stating that Brewer’s choice of language proves he is disconnected from the reality on the ground. “I am extraordinarily disappointed that Brewer used that language yesterday,” Locke said.
“It showed that he had no touch point with what’s happening in Surrey.” Locke also took issue with Brewer’s suggestion that residents who lack confidence in the police should “revisit their own feelings,” calling the remarks dismissive of the genuine terror felt by local families.
Despite the RCMP’s “no crisis” stance, the data suggests a rapidly worsening situation. In a press release earlier Locke said that since 2023, nearly 1,500 extortion cases have been reported across Canada. In Surrey alone, the situation has spiked with 34 cases reported in just the last three weeks.
At a trilateral summit in Surrey on Nov. 28, 2025, the federal and provincial governments expressed their commitment to ending this violence and pledged to meet again in 90 days. However, since that time, the problem has only escalated, leaving residents and business owners in what the Mayor describes as “constant fear.”
Mayor Brenda Locke is now calling on the federal government to take immediate action and implement a full-scale national initiative to stop the extortions and violence targeting communities across Canada. In a letter dated January 21, 2026, Mayor Locke urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to move beyond provincial task forces and appoint a national extortion commissioner. This role would be tasked with identifying root causes by bringing together police and experts, and would have the authority to examine systemic gaps in criminal, citizenship and immigration systems to stop these crimes before they happen.
“Our laws are simply too weak,” the Mayor said. “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.”
The Mayor’s address also focused on reports of residents considering arming themselves for protection. While Locke remained firm in her plea for citizens not to take the law into their own hands, she admitted she understands the desperation families feel when they no longer believe the authorities can protect their children.
Mayor Locke is scheduled to travel to Ottawa for an upcoming federal meeting to formally present these recommendations. As the rift between the Mayor’s office and police leadership grows, the community remains on edge, waiting for a coordinated response that can effectively dismantle the gangs responsible for this nationwide epidemic of extortion threats.
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