MPs Jinny Sims and Jasbir Sandhu demand action by federal government to deal with crime situation in Surrey

 

Jinny Sims
Jinny Sims

 

NDP MP Jinny Sims (Newton-Delta North) on Wednesday demanded action from the federal government in the House of Commons to deal with the gang violence crisis in Surrey. “The federal government has an obligation here – why bother having a Minister for Public Safety if they have no intention of prioritizing public safety?” asked Sims. “People are scared and the community is devastated.”

Sims said: “I’ve asked for more police on our streets. I’ve asked for more accessible gang-prevention and drug-crime prevention funding. The Conservatives have done nothing. Twenty-four shootings later, I’m wondering if any of them are listening now: where is the federal leadership here?”

Jasbir Sandhu
Jasbir Sandhu

On Thursday, NDP MP Jasbir Sandhu (Surrey North) slammed Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney, saying in the House of Commons: “Gang violence in Surrey has reached crisis levels. My community needs urgent action from this government. But instead, yesterday they stood in this House and patted themselves on the back for a job well-done. Last night the minster was doing damage control, but he has still refused to make any concrete commitments. It’s unacceptable. Surrey needs more resources, including youth gang prevention programs.”

Sandhu asked: “Will the government start by immediately approving the 100 RCMP officers the City of Surrey has requested?”

Both Sims and Sandhu have motions before the House of Commons related to crime in Surrey. Sandhu’s motion asks for increased and ongoing funding for gang prevention and Sims’ motion is for more RCMP officers in the Surrey area.