FEDERAL Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced on Wednesday that the federal RCMP will deploy up to an additional 20 officers to support on-the-ground enforcement efforts of the BC Extortion Task Force and local police services. The RCMP is also committing helicopter resources to assist Surrey in its work.
He said that after consulting with local MPs and law enforcement, the federal government was responding with the urgency and seriousness that this situation demands.
Anandasangaree said in a statement that the recent rise in extortion in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia is unacceptable. He said he met with B.C. Premier David Eby and they were joined by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Canada Border Services Agency President Erin O’Gormant. He said he spoke with B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger on Tuesday.
The minister said that it is clear that all levels of government must work together to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks. The RCMP will soon be convening police leaders to discuss ongoing strategies, enhance information sharing, and ensure a coordinated approach to combatting violent crime.
Anandasangaree said: “All of this in addition to our announcement on November 28, 2025 of $4 million in federal spending to bolster local law enforcement’s efforts in tackling these threats through the Regional Drug Enforcement Team (RIDET) and $1 million to support victims alongside the Government of British Columbia.
“The Government of Canada is committed to dismantling the criminal networks that have created a climate of fear and intimidation amongst communities. That is why we have introduced several measures to keep Canadians and families safe. We are combatting the flow of illegal drugs and weapons while strengthening the integrity of our immigration system through the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act; making bail and sentencing laws stricter through the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act; proposing lawful access measures that would give law enforcement the tools they need to keep people safe through the Strong Borders Act; making the largest single investment in Canadian border security through our $1.3 billion border plan; and hiring 1,000 CBSA officers and 1,000 RCMP personnel to keep our borders secure and communities safe.”
He added: “We thank the Government of British Columbia, City of Surrey, and our law enforcement partners in the B.C. Extortion Task Force for their continued leadership. We look forward to continuing to collaborate on measures that will keep Canadians safe.”
