Mayors from several Canadian cities grappling with a disturbing rise in extortion, shootings, and arson targeted at South Asian business owners are set to converge on Ottawa next week. Their aim is to press for immediate federal intervention and to declare a national emergency regarding the escalating crisis. The mayors of Brampton, Ontario; Surrey, British Columbia; and Winnipeg have highlighted this urgent issue as a significant topic of discussion at the upcoming Big City Mayors’ Caucus.
Rising Tide of Criminal Activity
The alarming trend of organised crime targeting South Asian communities has prompted Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to voice his concerns about its potential spread across Canada. “My worry is that this is going to spread much more broadly across the country. The status quo here is just not working,” Brown remarked. His city was one of the first to report these extortion activities in early 2023, and he believes that a proactive response is crucial.
In a bid to alleviate the situation, federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced that Peel Region, which encompasses Brampton, will receive up to $1 million to enhance local policing efforts. However, Mayor Brown insists that this funding, while a step in the right direction, is insufficient to address the intricate networks behind these crimes. “We need to be agile and nimble… We want to get the people higher up,” he stated, emphasising the need for more robust measures against both established and newly formed gangs.
Local Governments Mobilising for Support
The crisis has resonated deeply in Surrey, where city council recently passed a motion urging the federal government to declare a national emergency. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has called for an addition of 150 police officers to effectively respond to the surge in criminal activities. In a positive development, the federal government has pledged funding for up to 20 additional officers for Surrey, which Mayor Locke welcomed as an initial but necessary action.
Chief Norm Lipinski of the Surrey Police Service expressed his grave concerns, noting that the crime wave shows no signs of abating. In 2025 alone, Surrey reported 133 extortion threats and 49 shootings. After a brief lull towards the end of 2024, January has already seen 43 threats and 10 shootings. The involvement of both highly organised international gangs and local copycat groups complicates the situation further. Chief Lipinski pointed out that the police force is grappling with a backlog of investigations, necessitating urgent assistance from provincial and federal authorities.
Calls for Legislative Reform
The situation has prompted British Columbia Premier David Eby to advocate for swifter passage of Bill C-12, which seeks to tighten the immigration system and limit access to asylum for individuals charged with extortion. “What we’re seeing in Surrey is a terror attack in slow motion,” Eby asserted at a recent meeting with other provincial leaders and Prime Minister Mark Carney. He highlighted the absurdity of granting refugee status to individuals associated with criminal activity, calling for an urgent closure of this loophole.
The Extortion Task Force, established in September 2023 to combat this crisis in Surrey, Abbotsford, and Delta, has taken on over 32 cases across the Lower Mainland. They are currently investigating 111 foreign nationals, with seven individuals charged and nine deported.
Broader Implications Across Canada
While extortion rates in Winnipeg have not yet reached the alarming levels seen in Surrey or Brampton, Mayor Scott Gillingham acknowledges the growing concern within his community. Recent police operations in Winnipeg led to the arrest of five individuals connected to extortion and threats, underscoring the need for vigilance and proactive measures.
In Edmonton, the police department’s Project Gaslight has emerged as a model for addressing these threats. Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine noted that the project was initiated in response to a series of arson attacks on newly constructed homes, which shocked local residents. The Edmonton force has since mobilised 200 officers to enhance community policing and build trust within affected populations.
Why it Matters
The surge in violence and extortion against South Asian business owners in Canada represents not only a public safety crisis but also a profound threat to community cohesion and economic stability. As mayors from affected regions gather to advocate for significant federal intervention, the need for a coordinated response is more pressing than ever. The implications of this crisis extend beyond individual incidents, threatening the very fabric of trust and security within these vibrant communities. Addressing these challenges effectively will require not only increased funding and manpower but also a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of organized crime and its impact on society.
