By Canadian Press

‘Difficult’ Surrey, B.C. police decision on RCMP or municipal force Friday: minister

Apr 27, 2023 | 12:37 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says Surrey residents will know Friday who will police the Metro Vancouver city, the RCMP or the municipal Surrey Police Service.

Farnworth says the government is set to announce its decision on the future of policing in the city, following last fall’s civic election that prompted the reversal of a move away from the RCMP in favour of an independent force. 

Mayor Brenda Locke was elected on the promise to go back to the RCMP, saying the transition will be less expensive than the change to the Surrey Police Service, a move the provincial government had already approved. 

But the provincial government also needs to approve the reversal and Farnworth says it has been one of the most difficult decisions his government has had to make. 

He says the key issue in the government’s decision is public safety for Surrey and the province.

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Farnworth said earlier he has concerns about RCMP staffing levels in the province and the call for reforms for Mounties contained in the recent inquiry into the Nova Scotia mass shooting. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2023.

The Canadian Press