Lorne Doerkson announces an Anti-Extortion Action Plan to protect businesses and families from gangs, and commits to implement a dedicated court system for repeat and violent offenders
SURREY, B.C. — Conservative Party of BC Leader Lorne Doerkson launched his Anti-Extortion Action Plan and pledged to stop the revolving door for repeat and violent offenders, building on the party’s commitment to hire hundreds more police officers, RCMP members and prosecutors.
After nine years of the NDP, extortion has become a growing threat in communities across British Columbia. Business owners and families are being targeted with threats, intimidation and violence, and too many are afraid to come forward. At the same time, a broken bail system has let repeat and violent offenders walk back onto the streets, often within hours of being arrested.
A Conservative government will implement an Anti-Extortion Action Plan, with specialized investigators dedicated to extortion cases and clear reporting and protection pathways for businesses and families who are threatened. Victims will know exactly where to turn, and they will have the confidence that police will act.
A Conservative government will also take on the gangs that drive so much of this violence, cutting off their recruitment of young British Columbians and giving youth a path away from organized crime.
“No business owner should have to choose between paying off criminals and keeping their family safe,” said Jessy Sahota, candidate for Surrey-Serpentine. “Under the NDP, extortionists have been emboldened. My plan will chase down the people behind these threats and make sure every family and business that comes forward is protected.”
Doerkson will also stop the revolving door for repeat and violent offenders by:
- Establishing a dedicated repeat-offender court stream so the most prolific offenders face swift consequences;
- Strengthening bail and warrant enforcement;
- Expanding electronic monitoring for those released into the community.
These measures build on the Conservative Party of BC’s plan to restore safe streets, which includes hiring 1,000 additional police officers, prosecutors, and support staff.
“British Columbians are tired of seeing the same criminals arrested again and again while their communities pay the price,” said Doerkson. “We have a plan to put more police on our streets, more prosecutors in our courts and real consequences in place for those who threaten our families and businesses. These are serious times, and they call for strong leadership.”
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Media Contact:
Alex Shiff, Director of Media Relations
media@conservativebc.ca
