British Columbia Premier David Eby has called for changes to Canada’s immigration and deportation laws, arguing the system is being misused by people accused of serious crimes, including extortion linked to intimidation campaigns in Surrey.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Eby said concerns intensified after two individuals arrested in Surrey in connection with alleged extortion offences went on to claim refugee status rather than being immediately removed from the country.
Eby said it was “ludicrous” that people accused of orchestrating what he described as ongoing, terror-style intimidation within the community could access refugee protections. He questioned how such individuals could be allowed to pursue asylum claims based on fears of returning to India, while their alleged criminal activities continued to affect residents in Canada.
While he acknowledged immigration and refugee officials were attempting to expedite the cases, Eby said the broader legal framework does not adequately account for public safety when serious criminal allegations are involved.
The premier also raised concerns about limits within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, saying people allegedly involved in extortion networks or already removed by the Canada Border Services Agency are not always identifiable under the legislation. He said this restricts the release of names or images that could help police gather intelligence from the community.
“When people know who is involved, they come forward with information about associations, locations and businesses that may have been targeted,” Eby said, describing such tips as critical investigative leads.
Eby said he has taken the issue to the federal government and has been told work is underway to determine whether certain identities could be disclosed under public safety exemptions.
He also said fear has spread through parts of Surrey, with residents reluctant to leave their homes, attend celebrations or draw attention to their businesses. Developers, he added, are hesitant to share information about future projects, while some families reporting extortion threats have experienced inconsistent police responses.
Eby said RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has assured him that a meeting will take place this week involving Surrey Police Service leaders and Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, head of the B.C. RCMP Extortion Task Force, to ensure coordinated messaging and a consistent approach.
“Inconsistent communication makes people feel authorities aren’t working together on the issue that matters most to them,” Eby said. “That’s not acceptable.”
The debate has spilled into federal politics, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre posting online that non-citizens who commit extortion should face firm consequences. “Charge them. Convict them. Deport them,” he wrote.
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