The Surrey Police Vote campaign, launched by Darlene Bennett, the widow of Paul Bennett, who was killed in front of their Surrey home and family in 2018 in a case of mistaken identity, is based on B.C. legislation that allows voters to sign a citizens’ Initiative process on any issue of concern within the Province. Proponent Bennett, a long-time Surrey resident, has filed an application with Elections BC to proceed with this Initiative.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – A new campaign launching this week wants to give voters a say on whether to keep the Surrey RCMP or transition to a proposed Surrey Police Service. The citizens Initiative will seek signatures asking the Province of B.C. to hold a binding referendum. The Initiative is led by prominent Surrey resident, Darlene Bennett.  

The Surrey Police Vote campaign is based on B.C. legislation that allows voters to sign a citizens’ Initiative process on any issue of concern within the Province. Proponent Darlene Bennett has filed an application with Elections BC to proceed with this Initiative. 

“Surrey residents are seeing the costs of this proposed Surrey Police Service go up and up. Later this month, homeowners will receive inflated property tax bills to pay for this expensive and unnecessary transition. There has been no feasibility study, no clear plan, and no obvious public safety benefit. Surrey voters have been asking for a definitive say on this with no response, and now we’re asking government to hold a referendum,” said Darlene Bennett. 

Bennett is a long-time Surrey resident, a registered nurse, and the widow of Paul Bennett, who was killed in front of their Surrey home and family in 2018 in a case of mistaken identity. 

Due to ongoing COVID-19 public health measures, the campaign will begin by recruiting canvassers and supporters remotely through the website, social media, and email, and will gather petition interest safely. The campaign will gather signatures and host safe in-person signing events later if COVID-19 measures allow.  

 “We have been waiting for months to safely launch this campaign, and – with more and more vaccines in sight and increasing controversy around the policing transition costs and implementation – I believe the time is now. I trust the RCMP and do not want Paul’s case compromised, or any reduction in public safety. I am absolutely committed to giving Surrey taxpayers a voice.” 

 “Whether you support retaining the RCMP, as I do, or want the proposed Surrey Police Service, I believe everyone should have a vote on the final decision.” 

Background – About the Surrey Police Vote Initiative: 

On May 12, Darlene Bennett filed an application as Proponent under the B.C. Recall and Initiative Act, which allows voters to sign an official petition presented by registered canvassers requesting an Act be put before the B.C. Legislature. 

While the Initiative petition legislation does not contemplate a regional petition, the B.C. Referendum Act does allow the B.C. cabinet to order a regional referendum on any issue – and could easily do so on Surrey policing. 

The Surrey Police Vote campaign is  advised by Bill Tieleman, a consultant and strategist for Fight HST, the successful 2010 petition campaign launched by former Premier Bill Vander Zalm.  

The National Police Federation, the union for RCMP Members across Canada and here in Surrey, is supporting and providing funding to the campaign.  

For more information:  www.SurreyPoliceVote.ca