Mass shooting inquiry’s call for sweeping RCMP reforms could have bearing on Surrey policing: Farnworth

A Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry’s call for sweeping RCMP reforms could have a bearing on a decision on what force will police Surrey, says B.C. Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.

The B.C. government must make a decision on whether to continue a transition to the municipal-led Surrey Police Service or remain with the RCMP, a decision that will be made soon said Farnworth.

The inquiry released its findings Thursday into the RCMP’s conduct during a 2020 shooting spree by Gabriel Wortman who killed 22 people. The inquiry concluded that the RCMP failed people in Nova Scotia during the deadly rampage and the force should be completely overhauled with changes to the way officers are trained and provide policing across the country.

Farnworth said Thursday during a news conference on another matter that he hadn’t yet seen the seven-volume, 3,000 page report himself but that he had learned the recommendations were “very, very significant.”