B.C. community advisory group seeks public input on ongoing extortion crisis<\/p>\n
Published 4:08 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026<\/p>\n
Residents of Surrey, Delta, Abbotsford and other communities affected by B.C.\u2019s extortion crisis are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns with the newly formed community advisory group.<\/p>\n
Paul Dadwal, chair of the community advisory group on extortion, said, \u201cThe extortion crisis is deeply troubling for everyone in our communities, and we know people are looking for meaningful ways to be heard and to help shape the path forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour experiences, concerns and ideas are essential to tackling the extortion crisis. I encourage anyone impacted to reach out to the community advisory group on extortion. Your voice can help us move through this challenging time together.\u201d<\/p>\n
The provincial government 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.<\/p>\n
In addition to Dadwal, the members that the province has appointed are: veteran RCMP officer Baltej Dhillon; 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 B.C.; and Harp Khela, Surrey business owner.<\/p>\n
The group has had several meetings since being formed, including ones with police leadership, mayors, community leaders, victims\u2019 families and B.C. extortion task force mayors.<\/p>\n
The group plans to meet with Crown counsel, Canada Border Services Agency, and victim support services in the future.<\/p>\n
Feedback can be shared by emailing, ExtortionFeedback@gov.bc.ca <\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE: B.C. extortion advisory group includes former police, politicians<\/a><\/p>\n