Risky but ambitious petition to keep RCMP in Surrey officially launched
The first person to sign a petition against a new police service in Surrey was met with a round of applause Tuesday afternoon.
The small celebration was short lived, because canvassers know they have a lot of work to do, in a limited amount of time, and ultimately the law is against them.
Yet the team from The Surrey Police Vote seems undeterred. Members hope to collect enough signatures to force a referendum on the notion of abandoning the RCMP in favour of a city police force.
Under the Recall and Initiative Act, canvassers would need to collect signatures from 10 per cent of registered voters from each of B.C.’s 87 provincial election ridings.
Well aware most people living outside of Surrey probably don’t care much about the issue, and wouldn’t sign the document, the team is opting for a different strategy: Get as many signatures as possible in Surrey, and show the provincial government residents want a local binding referendum.
“I think it’s very realistic,” said Surrey Police Vote spokesperson Bill Tieleman. “I think any government, of any stripes, would have to listen if 10 per cent of the population of the second largest city in the province said, 'We want to do something differently.'”
Tieleman, who was a key player in the successful 2011 HST referendum, admitted this is a tougher sell, and will likely fall far short of what the law currently requires. But he believes this is an excellent tool for the team.
“I don’t think smart governments ignore their constituents,” said Tieleman.
The group will be holding signing opportunities in Holland Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and again at the same time on Sunday at Goldstone Park.
Signature sheets must be in the hands of Elections BC by Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.