Statements regarding the Bishnoi Gang
David Shepherd, Alberta New Democrat Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services, and Gurtej Singh Brar, Alberta New Democrat MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie, issued the following statements regarding the Bishnoi Gang:
"This UCP government is months, if not years, behind when it comes to understanding the real and growing threat of organized crime and extortion, particularly in Alberta’s South Asian communities.
"Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus has been calling for coordinated action for over a year. We’ve written letters, met with stakeholders, and pushed this government for real solutions.
“The Bishnoi gang absolutely should be designated a terrorist organization. But instead of showing real leadership and calling for this months ago, the UCP waited until Premier David Eby took action, then jumped on the bandwagon and asked Ottawa to do something about the issue. This is not what leadership looks like.
“Public safety is not a political game. It requires urgency, cooperation, and the courage to act—qualities this UCP government continues to lack."
- David Shepherd, Alberta New Democrat Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services
"Real people are being hurt by this across our South Asian communities. I hear directly from families, business owners, and everyday Albertans who are scared to go out, scared to open their businesses, and scared of the threats they’re facing. They’ve been sounding the alarm for months, while this UCP government has sat on its hands.
"The Bishnoi gang is just one part of a bigger problem. Organized crime and extortion are threatening livelihoods across the province, and this government’s inaction has left too many people vulnerable.
"Albertans deserve much more than this too little, too late response. It's time for coordinated, ongoing action that actually makes our communities safer."
- Gurtej Singh Brar, Alberta New Democrat MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie