The federal government alongside British Columbia officials unveiled a comprehensive strategy yesterday aimed at tackling the growing crisis of extortion threats targeting businesses across Canada, with particular focus on protecting Ottawa’s vibrant immigrant entrepreneurial community.
At the heart of the announcement stands a new anti-extortion team combining RCMP resources with provincial and municipal police forces. This integrated approach will create dedicated investigation units specifically focused on organized criminal groups employing intimidation and violence against business owners.
“We’re seeing patterns where criminals target vulnerable business owners, particularly in South Asian, Persian, and Chinese-Canadian communities,” explained RCMP Superintendent James Rollins during the Ottawa press conference. “These criminals exploit cultural barriers and fear of authorities that some immigrant business owners might have.”
The initiative comes after months of escalating reports from Ottawa restaurateurs and small retailers about threatening calls, property damage, and in some cases, arson attempts. Local police data indicates a 27% increase in reported extortion attempts within the capital region over the past eight months.
Mississauga restaurant owner Priya Sharma recounted her experience at the announcement. “The calls started small – just asking for ‘protection money.’ When I refused, they smashed our windows. Many of us have been suffering in silence because we’re afraid.”
The new measures include a confidential reporting hotline staffed by officers fluent in Punjabi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, and other languages common in affected communities. Additionally, dedicated victim support services will provide counseling and practical security assessments for businesses.
Ottawa-South MP Anita Sharma emphasized the economic implications. “These businesses represent the backbone of our local economy. When criminals target them, they’re attacking not just individual owners but entire communities that depend on these establishments.”
The program mirrors British Columbia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Extortion Strategy implemented last year, which has already led to 43 arrests and disrupted several criminal networks operating throughout the Lower Mainland.
Community leaders have welcomed the initiative while noting more work remains. Kamal Singh of the Ottawa Business Association pointed out that “cultural barriers to reporting remain significant. Many business owners come from countries where police corruption makes them hesitant to report crimes.”
The announcement includes $14.5 million in federal funding over three years, with provincial contributions bringing the total investment to nearly $22 million. Resources will support investigative teams, community outreach, and technological tools to track criminal networks operating across provincial boundaries.
Ottawa Police Chief Laura Wilson acknowledged the challenges ahead. “These criminals are sophisticated and mobile. They may threaten a business owner in Ottawa while operating from Toronto or Montreal. That’s why this integrated approach is essential.”
For small business owners like Wei Chen, who operates a convenience store in Vanier, the initiative offers hope. “Two months ago, someone came demanding $5,000 for ‘protection.’ When I hesitated, they showed me pictures of my children at school. I paid because I was terrified.”
The program launches next month with community information sessions planned across Ottawa’s diverse neighborhoods. Business owners can access resources through a new secure website or visit designated community police centers for confidential consultations.
As I walked through ByWard Market this morning, speaking with shop owners about the announcement, the mix of cautious optimism and lingering fear was palpable. Many welcomed the initiative while wondering if it would truly reach their communities in meaningful ways.
This initiative represents a critical step in addressing a problem that has remained in the shadows too long, threatening the vibrant mosaic of immigrant entrepreneurship that defines so much of Ottawa’s local economic and cultural landscape.
