B.C. extortion advisory group includes former police, politicians

B.C. extortion advisory group includes former police, politicians

Published 3:14 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The B.C. government has announced the members of a new six-member community advisory group that will work with the B.C. Extortion Task Force – including former police officers and politicians.

The provincial government recently established the group to help bridge the gaps between the community and the B.C. extortion task force amid ongoing violence related to extortion in Surrey and other communities across British Columbia. Premier David Eby previously criticized the police for inadequate communication with the community.

The province announced the group’s members on Wednesday (Feb. 18). The chair, Paul Dadwal, had already been announced.

The members that the province has appointed are: Baltej Dhillon, veteran RCMP officer; Garry Begg, former minister of public safety and current NDP MLA for Surrey-Guildford; Wally Oppal, former attorney general and retired judge; Ninu Kang, executive director of Ending Violence Association of BC; and Harp Khela, Surrey business owner.

Dadwal said, “The work of the group will be focused on engaging closely with impacted community members and law enforcement to ensure that communication lines are open and those most impacted have a way to voice their concerns.”

The group has already started meeting, but the announcement was delayed due to the incident in Tumbler Ridge last week, the province said. It will provide recommendations to the police and the B.C. Extortion Task Force and all three levels of government about responding to the extortion crisis.

The community advisory group will find the best ways to “engage with key business and community leaders and victims’ advocates to understand their concerns and any challenges that need to be communicated to law enforcement and government officials.”

Dadwal will lead the group, bringing years of senior police experience, including time with IHIT and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia.

“The other five members of the committee come from a range of backgrounds in law enforcement and the justice sector, victims’ advocacy, business and public service, and will bring their experiences and insights to the group,” noted a press release from the province on Wednesday (Feb. 18).

“To effectively respond to extortion violence, there needs to be increased trust and communication between the community and law enforcement. The CAG is tasked with listening to community concerns, identify emerging issues and relay them to law enforcement and government so people are heard, supported and safe.”