Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth speaks during a press conference in the press theatre at legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Farnworth says he is pleased the City of Surrey will join in on the transition from the RCMP to a municipal police service following a council address by Mayor Brenda Locke accepting a court ruling. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
In Victoria, British Columbia, Solicitor General Mike Farnworth expressed a desire to expedite the transition of police services in Surrey, Metro Vancouver, following prolonged disputes between the provincial government and local officials.
After Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke accepted a recent court ruling affirming the province's authority to proceed with transitioning from the RCMP to a municipal police force, Farnworth emphasized the need for collaboration moving forward.
Farnworth stated, "The people of Surrey are eager to see this transition completed. We have always welcomed the City of Surrey to the negotiation table, and I am pleased they are now participating fully in finalizing the establishment of the Surrey Police Service. I anticipate productive cooperation with all stakeholders to ensure a successful and timely transition."
The policing situation in Surrey has been contentious since former Mayor Doug McCallum, elected in 2018, campaigned on replacing the RCMP, while Mayor Locke, elected in 2022, advocated for retaining the Mounties.
Mayor Locke acknowledged defeat during a recent council session, expressing disappointment with the outcome of the B.C. Supreme Court's judicial review that upheld the province's mandate to proceed with the Surrey Police Service transition.
"While I am disappointed with the court's decision, I respect it and am committed to moving forward with the provincially mandated police transition for the benefit of our city," Locke stated.
However, she voiced concerns about the financial implications of transitioning to the Surrey Police Service, citing estimates suggesting costs could exceed RCMP expenses by $32 million to $75 million annually.
Locke emphasized, "The financial disparities are substantial and require resolution. It is crucial to safeguard Surrey taxpayers and future infrastructure from the financial burdens imposed by the minister."
Earlier, Surrey had rejected a proposed provincial agreement offering $150 million over five years, which included provisions for covering cost differences if Surrey Police Service expenses surpassed RCMP costs by 2029.
Despite Surrey's rejection, the B.C. government announced its intention to utilize the allocated $150 million to support the police transition process starting in April.
Locke committed to providing regular updates to the public starting in September on the progress of the transition, stressing the need for transparent financial planning to ensure taxpayer interests are protected.
"We are still in the preliminary stages of planning this transition," Locke acknowledged, also criticizing the previous Surrey council for their handling of the matter. The scheduled date for the policing transition in Surrey is November 29.
