The Public Safety Minister of British Columbia, Mike Farnworth, stated today that the City of Surrey has until 4 p.m. today to make a decision on a “final” offer from the province, which includes more money for transitioning to a new municipal police force.
Farnworth didn't confirm if the province's offer is $250 million as widely reported but he mentioned that he'll provide more information after 4 p.m.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke’s majority council has been opposing the transition to a new police force that began over 3 1/2 years ago, and they are determined to stick with the RCMP because it's more cost-effective.
While speaking to reporters in the legislature on Tuesday, Farnworth mentioned that he's aware the Surrey council reviewed the province's offer on Monday night.
He stated that he's awaiting the council's response, emphasizing the 4 p.m. deadline.
Farnworth didn't specify the consequences if Surrey rejects the offer after 4 p.m.
He said, “Time to fish or cut bait.”
Earlier, Locke presented a draft budget for Surrey with a proposed seven percent tax increase, excluding the transition to the new Surrey Police Service. She reiterated the council's decision to stick with the RCMP.
The city initiated a B.C. Supreme Court challenge to the B.C. government's order for Surrey to proceed with the transition. A five-day hearing is scheduled to begin later this month. Farnworth declined to mention if there are any conditions linked to the transition money, such as requiring the city to withdraw the lawsuit.
Locke and her council are mainly opposing the increased costs of a municipal force, estimated at $30 million per year, which is about 15 percent more than the RCMP. Initially, the B.C. government offered $150 million to aid in establishing the new police force, but they recently made a new offer.
During the budget presentation, Locke stated that continuing the transition would incur an additional half billion dollars over the next decade.
Locke emphasized, “Times are tough and I will not artificially inflate taxes when families are struggling to pay for mortgages, rent, food, and other essential expenses.”
She stated that if the city is compelled to switch to the Surrey Police Service, the city will provide a fiscal update in the fall to clarify the cost implications for Surrey taxpayers.
She explained that she hasn't considered any other measures the city can take to halt the transition if they lose the court case. “We are in the litigation process right now, and we’ll just move forward with that,” said Locke.
The conflict over policing in Surrey has been going on for 18 months.
Locke campaigned and won an election in fall 2022 with the promise to halt the transition initiated by her predecessor, former mayor Doug McCallum.
Locke and her council have also opposed approving spending that would enable the Surrey Police Service to continue its expansion The SPS’s request for $141.5 million in 2024 would provide money to hire another 180 officers, increasing the total number of municipal police officers to 526.
The city must complete its budget by May 15.
More information will be provided later.
Related
- B.C. is allocating additional funds for the Surrey police transition, according to sources.
- The RCMP union is requesting a 'clear and transparent' plan for the Surrey police transition.
Don’t miss the important news — add and to your bookmarks and .
