FORMER Surrey mayor Doug McCallum and Safe Surrey Coalition said on Monday that they proudly stand with Surrey residents as the long-anticipated vision of a dedicated Surrey Police Service (SPS) becomes an unshakable reality.
The introduction of changes to the Police Act by Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth has enshrined the SPS as the official police jurisdiction for Surrey, marking a historic milestone that they said they champion today.
“In the world of policing and public safety, today is a big win for the residents of Surrey,” said McCallum. “On behalf of the Safe Surrey Coalition and myself, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Premier [David] Eby and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth for their unwavering support in approving the SPS transition. Their commitment to this endeavor will undoubtedly save Surrey taxpayers money and ensure our community’s long-term security and public safety.”
“In 2018, Doug McCallum took up the mantle of leadership with an unwavering commitment to Surrey’s safety, running on a clear pledge to replace the RCMP with a local Surrey Police Service. His successful tenure as Mayor resulted in the approval and commencement of the transition to the SPS,” the Safe Surrey Coalition said in a press statement.
Despite repeated attempts by the new Surrey mayor, Brenda Locke, and her team to derail the transition, her tenure has been marred by absolute failure to uphold her key election promises – to keep the RCMP and halt the new 84th road connector. The delays caused by her actions have cost Surrey taxpayers a staggering $8 million every month, accumulating to a mind-boggling $96 million in wasted Surrey taxpayer funds, the Safe Surrey Coalition pointed out.
McCallum said that as he observes the spiraling costs and relentless delays, he urges Locke to face the facts and abandon her divisive vendetta. “It’s time for Mayor Locke to accept defeat gracefully and put Surrey’s interests first,” McCallum added.
McCallum said he is not only celebrating this monumental milestone, but he is also calling upon the Province to utilize its newfound powers to remove Locke as the Chairwoman of the Surrey Police Service board. “By doing so, the Province can avoid further delays and expedite the transition, minimize the further waste of taxpayers’ money, and steer Surrey toward an era of enhanced public safety and security,” he noted.
“Today, Surrey residents stand on the precipice of a brighter, safer future with their own local urban police force. Doug McCallum’s dedication, along with the support of Surrey residents, has been instrumental in achieving this ground-breaking goal,” the Safe Surrey Coalition said.
