“Policing is, ultimately, a provincial responsibility, so it’s fair to start asking our local MLAs to get involved,” said Annis. “A referendum would give the residents and taxpayers of Surrey a chance to have their say, something that has been missing to this point. I’m not asking the government or our local MLAs to pick sides, but I do want them to support a referendum that gives our community the chance to decide. If they don’t support the right of our residents to decide then we all want to hear why.” 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY - Councillor Linda Annis is calling on Surrey’s nine MLAs to support a call for a referendum on whether the city should stay with the RCMP or move to a city police force.

“Policing is, ultimately, a provincial responsibility, so it’s fair to start asking our local MLAs to get involved,” said Annis. “A referendum would give the residents and taxpayers of Surrey a chance to have their say, something that has been missing to this point. I’m not asking the government or our local MLAs to pick sides, but I do want them to support a referendum that gives our community the chance to decide. If they don’t support the right of our residents to decide then we all want to hear why.” 

Annis said referendums are not something new to the provincial government and to date, more than 40,000 people have signed the ongoing petition circulating in Surrey to keep the RCMP. This shows the level of support for moving away from the RCMP is far less than the mayor suggests.

“When the provincial government has a big issue to decide, it often turns to a referendum,” noted Annis. “That should be the case here in Surrey where policing is the single biggest budget item in the city, and the model being promoted by the mayor and his four Safe Surrey councillors shows Surrey spending more money to get fewer officers. 

“The transition costs are already at $129 million, with every available dollar at city hall going towards the SPD,” added Annis. “That money should have been spent on hiring more RCMP officers, adding firefighters and building new parks, pools, rinks and community centres. Instead, it’s all going to the mayor’s police department, with absolutely no evidence as to what’s going to be better or different under a local police department.”

Annis said the province has approved the creation of a police board, something that could also happen under the RCMP.

“Our local RCMP officers are invested in this community, and I’ve seen them at work,” said Annis. “They care about our city, and their policing model is tailored to our needs. The mayor claimed Surrey didn’t want Uber or Lyft, and he was clearly wrong. Now, he’s claiming Surrey residents want to replace the RCMP. I think he’s wrong again. Let’s give Surrey voters the final say. After all, it’s our money and our city. The only reason to oppose a referendum would be because you’re afraid of losing. It’s time for people in Surrey to have their say, and for our provincial government and our local MLAs to listen and back a referendum, or tell us why Surrey voters shouldn’t have their say.”