FORMER Surrey mayor Doug McCallum on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the actions of Mayor Brenda Locke for refusing to adhere to provincial law regarding the transition to a municipal police department, which is raising significant questions about her commitment to the rule of law and responsible fiscal management.

The provincial law, which is clear and unequivocal, specifies that the City of Surrey must provide policing services through a municipal police department. This legislation was put in place to ensure that the people of Surrey have clarity and finality regarding their transition to a municipal police force.

“It is deeply troubling to witness Mayor Locke’s blatant disregard for the provincial law,” said McCallum. “As elected officials, it is our duty to uphold the law and serve the best interests of our community. Mayor Locke’s actions undermine the trust that Surrey residents have placed in her.”

McCallum emphasized that the mayor’s refusal to follow the law in such a critical matter raises questions about her ability to fulfill her broader responsibilities as mayor effectively. “If Mayor Locke is unwilling to adhere to the law in a matter as significant as the policing transition, how can the citizens of Surrey expect her to uphold the law in other aspects of her role as mayor?” McCallum asked.

The transition to a municipal police department is an important issue for the citizens of Surrey, and it is essential that it be executed in accordance with the law and in a fiscally responsible manner. McCallum urged Locke to reconsider her stance and to prioritize the rule of law and the best interests of the community.