Surrey, BC — Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum is calling for immediate and decisive action as extortion-related violence continues to surge across the city, reaching levels he says Surrey has never experienced before. With more than 100 extortion incidents and over 40 shootings reported this year, McCallum warns that the situation has become a full-scale public safety crisis.
McCallum says the Bishnoi terrorist network — already designated as a terrorist organization — is escalating its intimidation campaign, putting Surrey families, workers and business owners in fear. He says the violence is now targeting people who came to Canada to build better lives and contribute to the community.
“Surrey families who came to Canada for safety and opportunity are now being targeted for achieving the Canadian dream,” McCallum said. “This is something you expect in failed states, not in our country. Enough is enough.”
McCallum is urging a united front to confront the crisis, emphasizing that strong policing, clear communication and community cooperation are essential for restoring safety. He is calling on residents to stay alert, talk to neighbours, and report suspicious activity to police.
“We will beat this if the community comes together,” he said. “These terrorists cannot survive when Surrey stands united.”
McCallum is also pressing the provincial and federal governments to take several immediate steps. These include daily public briefings from the provincial Extortion Task Force, enhanced intelligence-gathering by police, more provincial resources for enforcement and surveillance, and the immediate deportation of anyone convicted or suspected of participating in the extortion network.
“The justice system is failing Surrey,” McCallum said. “These terrorists are exploiting delays and loopholes. Anyone involved in this network must be deported immediately. No appeals. No delays. No second chances.”
He criticized what he views as a lack of transparency from authorities, saying the public has been left in the dark about the scale of the threat and the progress of ongoing investigations.
“People in Surrey are living in fear because no one is telling them what’s actually going on,” McCallum said. “Silence creates fear. Information creates confidence.”
McCallum concluded with a message of solidarity, urging residents to remain strong and committed to one another during this challenging period.
“We will get through this,” he said. “Surrey is strong and resilient. When we stand together and support our police, these terrorists cannot win.”