British Columbia Premier David Eby said he will press for federal legislation modelled on U.S. anti‑racketeering laws at next week’s meetings of premiers and first ministers, arguing the change is needed to pursue facilitators of organised crime who now operate legally.
Push follows international takedown
Eby pointed to a recent U.S. investigation that led to the arrest of 24 suspects worldwide, including three people in B.C. who face extradition, as evidence that current Canadian tools are insufficient to disrupt some criminal enterprises. He told reporters the province will raise the issue at the Council of the Federation meeting and in discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“RICO‑style laws are ‘something we should try,’”
The premier acknowledged that civil liberties organisations are likely to oppose expanded police authorities and said any increase in powers must be carefully vetted. He said those concerns must be weighed against the state's duty to protect citizens’ right to live in peace.
What Eby wants and why
Eby said a federal framework should permit authorities to target not only those who commit violent or financial crimes, but also people and businesses that facilitate criminal activity while remaining within the bounds of current law. He framed the proposal as an attempt to close legal and enforcement gaps rather than to remove safeguards for individual rights.
- Triggering event: U.S. Justice Department arrests tied to India‑based criminal groups.
- Canadian connection: Three B.C. residents among those indicted and facing extradition.
- Policy proposal: A federal, RICO‑style statute to target facilitators operating legally.
Legal experts and civil liberties groups have historically expressed concern about broad anti‑racketeering statutes because they can confer wide investigative powers and civil remedies. Eby said those objections need to be tested, but maintained the province must pursue options to protect public safety.
Next steps and consequences
The premier’s proposal sets the stage for federal‑provincial debate. If Ottawa takes up the idea, lawmakers would face questions about scope, evidentiary standards, oversight and how new tools would interact with existing criminal and civil law. Any legislative effort would also likely prompt challenges from privacy and rights advocates, and require careful drafting to withstand judicial scrutiny.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Suspects arrested in international probe | 24 |
| People from B.C. charged | 3 |
Provincial premiers will discuss the proposal at the Council of the Federation meeting and at a first ministers’ session with the prime minister. The outcome will determine whether the idea proceeds to Ottawa for legislative consideration.
