November 21, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
British Columbia Premier David Eby addressed mounting public safety concerns regarding the ongoing extortion crisis in Surrey on Friday, confirming the alarming psychological and economic toll the threats are taking on residents and business owners.
Premier during a press briefing in Surrey revealed a striking example of the pervasive fear, citing a small-business owner who expressed reluctance to put up Christmas lights for fear of drawing attention to his home and business, and thus becoming a target for criminal elements.
The crisis, which has seen Surrey pass the 100-case mark for extortion files this year, is marked by brazen violence, including multiple drive-by shootings at homes and businesses. When RED FM asked about this to the Premier, he acknowledged the deep anxiety felt by the community, stating that the ability to “feel safe to conduct a business in the province” is being fundamentally challenged.
“I heard from a business owner who was reluctant to put Christmas lights out because he did not want to draw attention to himself,” Premier Eby stated.
He added that the fear is impacting everything from the willingness to make public donations to purchasing more expensive items like a car, demonstrating how the threats have seeped into everyday life and micro-economic decisions. “These kinds of things are the opposite of what my expectation is for British Columbia,” Eby asserted.
In response to questions about the sufficiency of the government’s actions, Premier Eby defended the resources currently deployed. He noted that the matter is a “major priority for the province of British Columbia.”
Eby said chief constable Norm Lipinski of the Surrey Police Service (SPS) has indicated that “good progress” is being made by the Provincial Extortion Task Force. The Premier stressed that there is a “record number of police on the ground” in Surrey right now, a combined force of RCMP officers and the transitioning Surrey Police Service (SPS) personnel, even before the recent surge in RCMP resources.
He dismissed concerns that the police transition was hindering the response, noting the combined strength of the forces is higher than ever.
Additionally, the Premier confirmed that the provincial government is collaborating with the federal government and utilizing federal tools, including significant assistance from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to address the immigration status of some individuals alleged to be involved in the threats.
“The resources are there,” Eby concluded, pledging to continue working with all levels of government and law enforcement to ensure the safety and security that British Columbians expect, and to restore confidence in the ability of residents and business owners to live and work without fear.
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