SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke on Tuesday thanked Premier David Eby for his support in addressing the extortion crisis. She said: “We are facing an emergency and it’s critical the community, police, and all three orders of government are aligned. I welcome the measures that were announced today, which strengthen collaboration and take a critical step toward cracking down on extortion and keeping our communities safe.”

Eby announced that the Province will be appointing a community advisory group to work with the B.C. Extortion Task Force. The Province will select community members who will work with police to “ensure that they understand the frontline experience of people related to the extortion threats.”

He also announced that he had a meeting with Locke and had reached an agreement with her that the Province will allow all its Surrey Police Board appointments to lapse and the vacancies will only be filled by candidates who are mutually agreed upon by the mayor’s office and the B.C. public safety minister. He said they wanted a police board that is reflective of the community and directs policy along the lines of community priorities.

Locke said in a statement: “I’m pleased that the City will be able to collaborate with the Province on membership of the Surrey Police Board and ensure it fully reflects the community and their public safety priorities. I also look forward to the work of the advisory group to improve communication between the public and the B.C. Extortion Task Force. It’s crucial we amplify the voices of residents and business owners who have been victimized by extortion and violence for far too long. I agree with Premier Eby that communication must be improved with regular updates from police, and I’m optimistic that this committee is a positive step in that direction.

“We need strong, coordinated leadership from all government partners to give us the resources we need to keep our city safe. That’s why I’m in Ottawa, urging the federal government for immediate action on this crisis.”