Surrey extortion described as 'terror attack in slow motion,' B.C. premier says

B.C. premier David Eby described ongoing extortion-related violence in Surrey as "a terror attack in slow motion," and premiers urged the federal government to pass Bill C-14; Surrey council declared a local state of emergency and the mayor will seek federal support.

B.C. premier David Eby used the phrase "a terror attack in slow motion" to describe extortion-related violence in Surrey during comments made after a meeting with other premiers and the prime minister. The premiers collectively called on the federal government to pass Bill C-14, which the article reports would tighten bail for repeat and violent offenders and increase penalties for serious crimes. Surrey city council unanimously approved a motion recognizing the city is in a state of emergency related to extortion and extortion-related violence. Mayor Brenda Locke has asked Ottawa to declare a federal state of emergency and requested a national extortion commissioner to coordinate the response. Key points: - Premier David Eby described the situation in Surrey as "a terror attack in slow motion" and said a related legal loophole should be closed, as reported. - The premiers urged the federal government to pass Bill C-14, which the article says would make bail tougher for repeat and violent offenders and increase penalties for serious crimes. - Surrey city council unanimously recognized a local state of emergency due to extortion and extortion-related violence. - Mayor Brenda Locke will put requests in writing to senior levels of government and police, and has asked for a federal state of emergency and a national extortion commissioner. Summary: Officials at provincial and municipal levels are describing sustained extortion-related violence in Surrey and are seeking legal and coordinated responses. The immediate next steps reported are that the mayor will submit written requests to senior government and police, and premiers have urged Ottawa to move on Bill C-14.