Premier says province ‘has to have a say’ on Surrey policing issues

Premier John Horgan says Solicitor General Mike Farnworth and Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum have had “significant conversations” around moving from the RCMP to a municipal police force.

Horgan says his government will be having a look at the report that the City of Surrey is preparing on policing.

“Where it goes from there will be up to Mr. Farnworth,” he said.

Asked if he thinks the public should be able to see that report, Horgan said “transparency should be the order of the day.”

He added that the future of policing in Surrey will also have to proceed with provincial input.

“There’s a good deal of discussion in Surrey and, in fact, around B.C. about what the mandate was for the new council in Surrey,” Horgan said.

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“They campaigned on a host of issues, they’re declaring those are the only issues that matter to them. We have to have a say of course about policing in B.C.”

Last week Farnworth’s staff issued this statement supporting public consultation.

“When there is a decision that has a large impact, it seems like a natural thing to seek public input,” Farnworth said.

“I look forward to seeing Surrey’s plan when they are ready to submit it.”

Last week McCallum also said it didn’t appear the public would see the report before it went to the province.

Many taxpayers and politicians are wondering how much a transition will cost.

“We are continuing to work through the costs associated and certainly that will be part of the report that we are giving to the province,” said McCallum.

Horgan also says there’s been a good deal of discussion in Surrey and around the province about policing in Surrey and the mandate of the new council.

He says the province has to have a say on policing and also what technology should be used for transit development.