Surrey and Brampton mayors urge Ottawa to declare extortion crisis emergency

The recent surge in extortion cases targeting South Asian business owners in Canada has prompted a significant response from local leaders. With crime rates rising sharply, mayors from several cities are mobilizing to seek federal support and declare this crisis a national emergency. As these events unfold, the urgency for a coordinated response has never been more apparent.

Urgent response to a growing crisis

Mayors from cities like Brampton, Surrey, and Winnipeg are gearing up to present a united front in Ottawa, advocating for increased governmental intervention to combat the alarming rise in extortions, shootings, and arsons. The mayors believe that the current situation demands immediate action and that the support they are receiving is insufficient to address the problem effectively.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed significant concern, stating, “My worry is that this is going to spread much more broadly across the country. And the status quo here is just not working.” This sentiment is echoed by numerous community leaders who fear that if left unchecked, the crisis could escalate to an even more significant threat.

Background of the extortion crisis

The extortion phenomenon has evolved into a pressing issue, particularly affecting South Asian business owners. Reports indicate that criminal gangs, both established and emerging, are employing increasingly aggressive tactics. Many of these gangs have international ties, complicating the enforcement landscape.

Reports from local law enforcement detail a worrying trend. For instance, Surrey police recorded 133 extortion threats and 49 shootings in 2025. After a brief period of relative calm, January 2026 alone witnessed 43 threats and 10 shootings. This uptick in violence illustrates the urgency of the situation and the need for comprehensive strategies to counteract these threats.

Federal government response and funding

In response to the crisis, the federal government has allocated funding aimed at bolstering police resources in affected areas. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced that Peel Region, which encompasses Brampton, would receive up to $1 million to enhance local policing efforts.

• This funding is intended to support the hiring of additional police officers.
• It aims to strengthen community safety measures and engage more effectively with the public.
• Local police forces are expected to increase their visibility in the communities most affected by crime.

However, local leaders argue that this response, while a step in the right direction, is not adequate to tackle the depth of the crisis. Mayor Brown emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach, stating, “We need to be agile and nimble and we don’t want to just catch the person who shoots at a house. We want to get the people higher up.”

Community and police collaboration

In Surrey, city councilors have passed a motion calling for the federal government to declare the extortion crisis a national emergency. Mayor Brenda Locke supports this initiative, highlighting that the city requires an additional 150 police officers to manage the challenges posed by the increase in criminal activity.

Surrey Police Service Chief Norm Lipinski has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for more personnel to manage the growing backlog of investigations. He stated, “This is a crisis. We feel it here. I need investigators. And then I need boots on the ground. We need to have a visible overnight presence in those communities. People are scared.”

Expedited legislative measures

In addition to local support, British Columbia Premier David Eby is urging the federal government to expedite Bill C-12, which outlines measures to tighten immigration processes and restrict asylum access for individuals linked to criminal activities. This bill aims to close loopholes allowing foreign nationals involved in extortion to exploit Canada’s immigration system.

As Eby noted, “What we’re seeing in Surrey is it’s a terror attack in slow motion.” He expressed the importance of ensuring that individuals who pose a threat to public safety do not find refuge within the country’s borders.

Insights from other cities facing similar challenges

While cities like Surrey and Brampton are grappling with severe extortion rates, other areas such as Winnipeg are beginning to see similar trends. Although the statistics have not yet reached alarming levels, Mayor Scott Gillingham has noted increasing concerns within the community.

• Winnipeg police recently arrested multiple individuals linked to extortion cases.
• These cases are indicative of a rising trend that law enforcement must address before it escalates further.

Moreover, law enforcement in Edmonton has initiated Project Gaslight to tackle the surge in extortion incidents. Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine explained that the project began in response to alarming incidents, such as new homes being set ablaze as part of extortion schemes. By ramping up their investigative efforts and increasing police presence, they hope to restore community safety.

Need for improved intelligence sharing

One of the critical challenges in combating organized crime is the need for effective intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies. Many investigators have pointed out that different police departments maintain separate databases, making it difficult to coordinate efforts against sophisticated gangs.

• Creating a national targeting center for organized crime could facilitate better communication.
• This center would allow police forces across Canada to share intelligence on criminal activities and suspects more efficiently.
• Implementing such a system could significantly enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement responses to organized crime.

Conclusion of the current state of affairs

The ongoing crisis of extortion and related violence targeting South Asian business owners necessitates immediate and coordinated action from all levels of government. Local leaders are advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes increased funding, legislative reform, and enhanced community-police collaboration. As the situation continues to unfold, the importance of a united front against these criminal activities becomes increasingly clear.