menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

FIRST READING: Canada is losing control of a major city to gangsters

37 0
06.02.2026

Foreign criminals slip into Canada easily, and when caught they get bail

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

First Reading is a Canadian politics newsletter curated by the National Post’s own Tristin Hopper. To get an early version sent directly to your inbox, sign up here.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

This week, B.C. premier David Eby announced that he was appointing an extortion czar to help manage the worsening problem of violent extortions.

Former Mountie Paul Dadwal would be placed in charge of a new community advisory committee to “close any gap between community members and police” in regards to frequent instances of B.C. businesses being shaken down for cash by gangsters.

It’s but the latest sweeping public gesture made by a government official in reaction to news that Canada is increasingly losing control of a major city.

This newsletter tackles hot topics with boldness, verve and wit. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Platformed will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

In September, the federal government declared that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang — an organized crime group from India that has been linked to many of the alleged extortions — would henceforth be a designated terror entity. Last week, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said he had deputized two RCMP helicopters to help stem the crisis.

And in late January, Surrey City Council called for their community to be placed under a state of emergency.

But the extortion crisis is underlain by two problems that are worsening crime almost everywhere else in Canada.

First, foreign criminals have been able to exploit a porous and overwhelmed Canadian immigration........

© National Post