B.C. premier hints no final decision on Surrey policing this week

The province is set to release its report on the future of policing in Surrey on Friday, but B.C.’s premier is hinting it may not be a final answer on the path forward.

The assumption has been that the B.C. government would make a call on whether to stick with the RCMP as Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has been pushing for — or follow through with transitioning to the Surrey Police Service (SPS).

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When CityNews asked Premier David Eby about the coming decision Thursday, he implied the report set to be released isn’t the final step in this process.

“It will provide the information the people of Surrey need to move forward,” Eby said during a news conference. “How do they do this transition safely? What is required? What are the associated costs, so they can make an informed decision.”

While that language about the people of Surrey making an “informed decision” may hint at the province holding a referendum, CityNews understands that is not on the table and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth has previously ruled that option out.

On whether this back and forth over Surrey policing has been frustrating, Eby acknowledged it’s been a challenge, but says his priority is ensuring Surrey has the information it has about the transition and what it will cost.

Last fall, newly-elected Locke immediately took steps to halt the city’s transition to the SPS which began during Doug McCallum’s term in 2020. It has led to numerous public back-and-forths between proponents on either side of the debate.

In February, the city, the RCMP, and the SPS sent reports to the province, with B.C. public safety minister Mike Farnworth tasked to make a final decision.

-With files from Greg Bowman