BC Minister Declares an End to Surrey Policing Controversy as Court Supports Transition

The B.C. Supreme Court has rejected the City of Surrey’s attempt to stop the transition to a municipal police force, as announced by British Columbia’s public safety minister on May 23.

Mike Farnworth stated that the dispute has been settled, urging everyone to work together to finalize the switch from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service.

The city had filed for a judicial review of the minister’s directive to complete the transition, arguing that the province had exceeded its authority and could not compel the city to proceed without adequate funding.

An attorney representing the B.C. government told the court earlier in the month that the minister’s role was solely to ensure safety, regardless of cost, when he mandated the city to continue the transition by July 2023.

In response to the court’s decision on May 23 in favor of the province, Mr. Farnworth expressed hope that Surrey officials, including Mayor Brenda Locke, would collaborate with the RCMP and B.C. government to efficiently and swiftly complete the transition.

The municipal force is scheduled to become Surrey’s primary jurisdiction entity on Nov. 29, with the province allocating $150 million for aid in the transition.

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Chief Cst. Norm Lipinski of the Surrey Police Service praised the court’s decision, stating that it resolves an 18-month disagreement marked by delays and misinformation from opponents of the change.

He highlighted that Surrey had chosen to transition to a municipal force in 2018, with provincial approval in 2020 and reaffirmation in 2023, now validated by the B.C. Supreme Court.

Chief Cst. Lipinski emphasized the need for collaboration to expedite the policing transition for the benefit of employees, residents, and public safety in Surrey.

Mr. Farnworth mentioned that he had not yet spoken with Mayor Locke, who campaigned in 2022 on the platform of halting the transition and retaining the Mounties.

City lawyers had argued that the province violated voters’ Charter rights by mandating the transition, given that Surrey residents elected Ms. Locke based on her pledge.

Mr. Farnworth expects the city to review the ruling, reiterating that the transition is ongoing and it is in the city’s interest to participate.

He noted the importance of residents wanting closure and the decision signifying its conclusion during a press conference in Vancouver.

Mr. Farnworth, also B.C.’s solicitor general, expressed the hope that city officials would engage in discussions and collaboration as expected by Surrey residents.

At a separate news conference, Premier David Eby acknowledged the province’s authority to direct Surrey to complete the transition initiated before the 2022 municipal election.

He described the ruling as a significant relief for Surrey residents and emphasized the province’s commitment to assisting with the transition’s costs.

Mr. Eby stressed the importance of a quick partnership and completion to minimize costs, given the various challenges facing the rapidly growing City of Surrey.