The head of British Columbia's anti-extortion task force, RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, has apologized after being criticized by Premier David Eby for downplaying the seriousness of extortion-related shootings. Brewer's comments, including his reluctance to use the term 'crisis,' led to the Premier's demand for clarification or resignation. Brewer affirmed the task force's commitment and emphasized extortions as a top priority.
The head of British Columbia 's anti-extortion task force is apologizing after being told by British Columbia Premier David Eby to step aside unless he demonstrates a"sense of urgency." RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer says he did not mean to call into question the force's commitment to the task when he challenged using the term"crisis" to characterize a wave of extortion-related shootings.
He says he was trying to reassure the public in an update on the task force's work on Tuesday, but instead he"impacted public confidence." Brewer had repeatedly declined to call the shootings a crisis at a news conference, prompting Eby to say Wednesday that Brewer needed to clarify himself or step aside.Brewer says in his apology that the task force’s commitment to the extortion threats and violence"has not wavered" and extortions are one of the RCMP's highest priorities.Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press
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