Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski Seeks Judicial Review of Dismissal

Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski has filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court seeking a judicial review of his removal from office, alleging that political interference by Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke played a key role in the decision.

In the petition filed Monday, Lipinski said he was given no notice or opportunity to respond before being dismissed. He alleges the decision was not based on his qualifications or performance, but was politically motivated.

Lipinski specifically accused Mayor Brenda Locke of opposing the transition from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service and of making repeated public and private efforts to undermine his reputation or remove him from office.

Locke’s party, Surrey Connect, rejected the allegation, saying neither the mayor nor Surrey City Council has been named as a party in the petition. The party said the mayor has no involvement in decisions regarding Surrey Police Service staff or officers.

The dispute comes as Surrey prepares for its municipal election on October 17.