Summary

• The Province has sent a letter to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs and the federal public safety minister, advocating for the expedited passage of Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act
• The B.C. government continues to reaffirm that joint efforts are needed to combat extortion and transnational organized crime
• B.C. residents, businesses and community organizations can now provide information and input to the Community Advisory Group on extortion (CAG)

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The B.C. government is urging the federal government to act quickly in passing Bill C-12 to close gaps that are being exploited by organized crime groups involved in extortion.

Nina Krieger, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has written to Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Public Safety, and to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, urging swift action on the legislation.

Krieger thanked Anandasangaree for his government’s introduction of Bill C-12 and for his commitment to ensuring that immigration processes cannot be exploited by those involved in organized crime. The Province is urging federal legislators to move quickly so that these critical reforms are enacted without delay.

“Extortion causes real fear for families and businesses in B.C., and some criminals are attempting to misuse immigration processes to evade justice,” Krieger said. “The passage of Bill C-12 would make it harder for criminals who are foreign nationals to seek refugee status to avoid being removed from Canada. These reforms are needed to disrupt organized crime networks more effectively and keep British Columbians safe.”

Law enforcement agencies in B.C. have encountered cases where individuals connected to extortion-related activities may possess expired visas, have pending refugee claims, or non-compliant student visas, while actively participating in or linked to violent offences. If passed, Bill C-12 would accelerate inadmissibility determinations and removals for individuals with established links to organized criminal networks. This means those responsible for extortion could be removed from Canada more quickly, and law enforcement would have the tools they need to help stop organized crime.

B.C. is also advocating for strengthened newcomer orientation, to help ensure that those who come to Canada understand Canadian laws, public-safety expectations, and how to avoid being unknowingly recruited or exploited by criminal elements.

Advisory group seeking community engagement on extortion crisis

The Community Advisory Group on extortion (CAG) would like to hear from the community, and members of the public are encouraged to share their thoughts online at stopextortion.ca.

The advisory group was established to strengthen communication and trust between law enforcement and communities affected by ongoing extortion crimes. Since being formed, CAG members have been meeting with police leadership, mayors, community leaders, victims’ families and B.C. Extortion Task Force members.

Future meetings will include Crown counsel, Canada Border Services Agency, victim-services organizations and elected officials. Through the stopextortion.ca website, residents, businesses and community organizations can share perspectives on the extortion crisis through areas such as prevention, victim supports, enhanced communication and community-safety strategies.

“The extortion crisis is deeply troubling for everyone in our communities, and we know people are looking for meaningful ways to be heard and to help shape the path forward,” said Paul Dadwal, chair of the Community Advisory Group on extortion. “Your experiences, concerns and ideas are essential to tackling the extortion crisis. I encourage anyone impacted to reach out to the Community Advisory Group on extortion. Your voice can help us move through this challenging time together.”

CAG brings together individuals with backgrounds in:

• senior law enforcement
• the justice sector
• victim advocacy and violence prevention
• business and community leadership

Government will continue to work with all levels of government, law enforcement and members of the community on prevention, and intervention measures to combat extortion.

To submit input to the Community Advisory Group on extortion, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/extortion

Quick Facts:

• If you are a victim of extortion-related crime, you must report it to police for an investigation to be opened.
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
• To report extortion or criminal activity, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at https://bccrimestoppers.com/ or https://solvecrime.ca/index.php/en/

Learn More:

• To view the letter to the Senate of Canada, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BillC-12_LetterToSenate.pdf
• To view the letter to Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Public Safety, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/MinisterLetter.pdf
• For more information about the B.C. extortion crisis, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/extortion
• Learn more about the Community Advisory Group on extortion: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PSSG0013-000168
• Learn more about the B.C. Extortion Task Force: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PSSG0050-000887
• Victims of crime and their immediate family members may be eligible for benefits to support their recovery through the ministry’s Crime Victim Assistance Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits
• To locate a victim-services program in your community, contact VictimLinkBC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc