Anti-extortion chief asked to show urgency or step aside, B.C. premier says

B.C. Premier David Eby urged the head of the province's anti-extortion task force to clarify remarks and demonstrate a sense of urgency after a series of extortion-linked shootings; police say the task force is handling 32 investigative files and reported seven people charged.

British Columbia's premier, David Eby, publicly told the head of the provincial anti-extortion task force to either show a clear sense of urgency or step aside after comments that some said underplayed recent violence. The remarks followed a news update in which the task force lead declined to label the situation a crisis while saying officers were actively pursuing suspects. Police have linked a string of shootings and threats to extortion activity, and local officials have called for a stronger national response. Surrey's mayor has written to the federal public safety minister asking for a national approach and the appointment of a dedicated extortion commissioner. Key facts: - Premier David Eby said the task force head must clarify his comments and demonstrate urgency, and suggested stepping aside if he does not. - RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer said the task force is "actively hunting" suspects across 32 files but would not characterize the situation as a crisis. - Police reported seven people charged and nine people removed from Canada among 111 admissibility investigations related to the cases. - Authorities have linked multiple shootings and threats to extortion activity concentrated in Surrey and affecting members of the South Asian community. - Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke reported 34 cases of alleged extortion in three weeks and asked the federal minister to consider a national extortion commissioner. Summary: The premier's comments have raised questions about public confidence in the task force's leadership while police say investigations and enforcement actions are underway. Local officials are seeking a coordinated federal response and further clarification from task force leadership. Undetermined at this time.