8.07C Vancouver 8.07C VancouverFeb 20, 2026 11:00 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect Newsroom
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is moving new legislation and resources to address extortion-linked threats and violence affecting the Lower Mainland and other parts of Canada.
In an interview with Connect Newsroom host Vijay Saini at the B.C. RCMP Headquarters (E Division) in Surrey on Feb. 19, 2026, Carney said his government is “toughening bail” and “toughening sentencing,” and expanding investigative tools aimed at tracking extortion activity, including online communications and financial flows.
PM Carney said police leaders told him they support the legislative direction, and he urged Parliament and the Senate to pass the measures. He referenced a bill he described as C-14, focused on bail and sentencing changes tied to extortion, weapons use, arson, and gang involvement. “What they want is Parliament and the Senate to pass this legislation,” Carney said.
He also pointed to additional operational resources, including “a thousand more border security officers” and “a thousand more RCMP personnel,” plus task force resourcing and helicopters working with local law enforcement. Carney said federal efforts also include “lawfully” obtaining social messages used in extortions and “following the money” using financial technologies and experts.
Asked how the government balances trade engagement with India while maintaining “zero tolerance” on foreign interference and transnational repression, Carney said Canada is “resolute” against foreign interference “in any way, shape or form,” and said his government is implementing recommendations he attributed to the “Hogue Commission.”
Carney was also asked why he had not spoken publicly in Surrey sooner as extortion concerns grew. He said his government has been acting since taking office, citing multiple laws moving through a minority Parliament, budget resources, and continued engagement with local MPs, ministers, and law enforcement.
Watch the full interview:
