Federal and provincial leaders are joining forces to combat a rising wave of extortion and organized crime threatening Canadian communities. In a recent summit, the Government of Canada announced millions in new funding for enforcement, victim support, and prevention programs to dismantle these criminal networks.

According to a news release from Public Safety Canada, officials from the federal government, the province of British Columbia, and municipal law enforcement met to coordinate a decisive response to these crimes, which often use social media for threats and intimidation.

A United Front Against Crime

The summit focused on a trilateral strategy involving enforcement, support for victims, and crime prevention. A key component of this strategy is the B.C. Extortion Task Force, a multi-agency unit designed to provide a coordinated response.

“Extortion is a serious crime that threatens the safety of our communities and the well-being of families and businesses,” said Gary Anandasangaree, the federal Minister of Public Safety. “Working together we will strengthen enforcement, victim support and prevention. We are committed to disrupting organized crime networks, expanding resources for victims, and ensuring that help is accessible to everyone.”

New Funding and Enforcement Measures

To back this commitment, the government announced several significant investments:

• $4 million over four years to create a Regional Integrated Drug Enforcement Team (RIDET) in B.C. to disrupt organized drug crime.
• $1 million, split between federal and provincial governments, to fund four new victim service workers and develop culturally relevant public resources.
• $1.5 million for the Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative in Surrey, B.C., to help divert up to 1,000 young people from gang involvement.

These measures aim to not only punish offenders but also to support those affected by these crimes and prevent vulnerable youth from entering a life of crime in the first place.

Strengthening Laws and Borders

The on-the-ground initiatives are supported by broader changes to Canadian law. The government pointed to the proposed Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, which would make it harder for those accused of extortion to get bail and would impose tougher sentences upon conviction. Furthermore, Budget 2025 includes commitments to hire 1,000 new RCMP officers and 1,000 new CBSA officers to bolster national security and law enforcement capacity.

What This Means for Canadians

While the summit was held in British Columbia, the issue of organized crime and digital extortion is a national problem. The strategies and task forces being developed could serve as a blueprint for other provinces facing similar threats. The federal investment underscores a nationwide commitment to public safety and tackling complex criminal activities that cross provincial borders.

If you are affected by extortion, authorities urge you not to comply with demands. Instead, report the incident immediately to your local police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Help is available, and reporting is the first step toward stopping these criminals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is extortion?

Extortion is a crime that involves obtaining money, property, or services from an individual or business through coercion, threats, or intimidation. Modern extortion schemes increasingly use social media and digital communication to threaten victims.

What specific actions are being taken?

The government is creating new law enforcement teams, funding victim support services, investing in youth crime prevention programs, and strengthening bail and sentencing laws for extortion-related offenses. This includes hiring more RCMP and CBSA officers to enhance enforcement capacity.

Who should I contact if I am a victim of extortion?

If you or your business are targeted, you should report it to your local police service immediately. You can also report information anonymously through the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association.

Is this problem only in British Columbia?

No. While the recent summit and funding announcements were focused on British Columbia, organized crime and extortion are national issues that affect communities across Canada. The federal government’s involvement signals a broader strategy to combat these threats nationwide.