Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke met with federal leaders in Ottawa this week to ensure the federal government understood “the severity of the extortion crisis in Surrey” – but there’s no word on the declaration of a national state of emergency.
There have been 46 reports of extortion, 11 extortion-related shootings and 29 victims (17 of whom are repeat) in 2026 alone, Surrey Police said Monday (Feb. 2).
“I am encouraged by the level of engagement and commitment I heard in Ottawa,” Locke said. “The extortion crisis is far from over, and the federal government has made clear that they are prepared to be a full partner in confronting this violence.”
A news release from the City of Surrey noted that Locke made “a formal request for the appointment of a commissioner for extortion violence against Canadian,” but it did not say if she had asked again for a public safety emergency to be declared.
Locke was in Ottawa for Canada’s Big City Mayors’ Caucus. In a post on X, she said, “I made sure our city’s priorities were front and centre and pushed for practical partnerships that deliver real results for residents and businesses.”
On Friday (Feb. 6), she met with federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and the Secretary of State for Combating Crime, Ruby Sahota, to discuss the extortion crisis.
Locke said the city was supportive of the new “new, strengthened legislation that is now on the table to close immigration loopholes and keep violent suspects off the street,” such as Bill C-12 (border security and immigration system integrity) and Bill C-14 (bail and sentencing reform) that are making their way through the house.
About the Author: Anna Burns
I cover breaking news, health care, court, Vancouver Rise FC, Vancouver Goldeneyes and social issues-related topics for the Surrey Now-Leader. anna.burns@surreynowleader.com Follow Anna on Twitter.