Delaying decision on Surrey's policing plans was the right move, councillors say
B.C.’s public safety minister made the right call asking for more information before approving Surrey's policing plans, according to two city councillors.
Coun. Linda Annis told CTV News she supports Mike Farnworth’s decision to wait because she, too, has questions she’d like answered before moving forward.
Annis noted there were significant discrepancies in the information provided to the province by Surrey RCMP and the Surrey Police Service.
“What are the real numbers?” she asked. “We need them before we can make an informed decision.”
Farnworth decided to prolong the process earlier this week after reviewing submissions from the city and both law enforcement agencies on who should police the province’s fastest-growing city.
At a press conference on Thursday, he called the transition “complex” and said officials need to ensure a safe and adequate plan is in place before approving the city’s plans.
“This is the largest RCMP detachment in the country and it’s certainly the largest transition, I would suggest, in the history of the province,” he said.
Coun. Doug Elford said he agrees with Farnworth’s decision, but that residents need an answer soon.
“We need to know what direction we’re going to be going in, regardless of the decision, and I think the public is tiring of the debate. Surrey has a lot of other things we need to be dealing with,” said Coun. Doug Elford.
Some of those other issues include affordability and a growing unhoused population — the latter of which Jeff Schantz, a member of Anti-Police Power Surrey, would like funds directed to instead of law enforcement.
“If we’re serious about talking about public safety, wellness, wellbeing, and health in the city of Surrey, then we should be looking beyond policing,” he said.
In an email to CTV News, Surrey RCMP said it will be working with the city, B.C. RCMP, and the Police Services Branch “to ensure any additional information and data the province is seeking is supplied to them as soon as possible.”
There is still no timeline as to when a decision will be made.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
WATCH LIVE Toronto police to release updated list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
Toronto police and law enforcement partners will be releasing the BOLO program’s updated list of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada at a news conference on Tuesday morning.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.