Renowned supreme court justice Wallace Taru “Wally” Oppal and firs turbaned RCMP officer and now senator Baltej Dhillon are part of a six-member Indo-Canadian community extortion taskforce chaired by former RCMP cop Paul Dadwal, which will be a direct link between the community and law enforcement. “Families, business owners and community members are understandably experiencing fear and frustration as a result of extortion threats and violence,” said Paul Dadwal, chair, community advisory group on extortion. “The work of the group will be focused on engaging closely with impacted community members and law enforcement to ensure that communication lines are open and those most impacted have a way to voice their concerns.”

By PD Raj – Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

VICTORIA – Renowned supreme court justice Wallace Taru “Wally” Oppal and firs turbaned RCMP officer and now senator Baltej Dhillon are part of a six-member Indo-Canadian community extortion taskforce chaired by former RCMP cop Paul Dadwal, which will be a direct link between the community and law enforcement.

The BC Government appointed a new community advisory group on extortion is an effort to improve co-ordination and communication between law enforcement and community members, and to help families and business owners to feel heard.

“The formation of this advisory group will help strengthen communication and trust between the community and law enforcement, and ensure that people’s voices are heard,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Public safety is our top priority in British Columbia, and this committee will strengthen collaboration and improve information-sharing between the community and law enforcement. Understanding the experience and concerns of residents and business owners is an asset to the police as they combat extortion.”

The membership of CAG was finalized last week but the announcement was delayed due to the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge. The CAG is tasked with listening to community concerns on a range of topics, including prevention, victim support, enhanced communication and community-safety strategies. The advisory group, whose meetings have already begun, will provide recommendations to law enforcement, including the B.C. Extortion Task Force, and all three levels of government responding to extortion in the Lower Mainland.

“Families, business owners and community members are understandably experiencing fear and frustration as a result of extortion threats and violence,” said Paul Dadwal, chair, community advisory group on extortion. “The work of the group will be focused on engaging closely with impacted community members and law enforcement to ensure that communication lines are open and those most impacted have a way to voice their concerns.”

The CAG will also provide another way for law enforcement to seek advice, advance public-safety strategies and deliver information to the community and those affected by extortion.

How the group works:

The CAG will identify the appropriate channels to engage with key business and community leaders and victims’ advocates to understand their concerns and any challenges that need to be communicated to law enforcement and government officials.

The group will provide strategic recommendations to ensure that messages about safety, prevention and support resources are being received by the community. By creating a direct link between the community and law enforcement, the CAG will help the Province respond more effectively and efficiently to the extortion crisis.

Members of community advisory group on extortion

The CAG will consist of six members, including a chair, appointed by the Province. The members are:

* Paul Dadwal, former senior RCMP investigator – chair

* Baltej Dhillon, veteran RCMP officer – member

* Garry Begg, former minister of public safety and MLA for Surrey-Guildford – member

* Wally Oppal, former attorney general and retired judge – member

* Ninu Kang, executive director of Ending Violence Association of BC – member

* Harp Khela, Surrey business owner – member

Dadwal has deep roots in Surrey and many years of experience fighting gang violence. The other five members of the committee come from a range of backgrounds in law enforcement and the justice sector, victims advocacy, business and public service, and will bring their experiences and insights to the group.

The BC government said to effectively respond to extortion violence, there needs to be increased trust and communication between the community and law enforcement. The CAG is tasked with listening to community concerns, identifying emerging issues and relay them to law enforcement and government so people are heard, supported and safe.