Former Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski is taking legal action to contest his termination. Lipinski, who became the inaugural chief of the Surrey Police Service (SPS) in 2020 and had his contract extended for three years in October 2025, was unexpectedly fired on June 1. This decision came shortly after the province, in collaboration with the City of Surrey, replaced five members of the Surrey Police Board.
In a petition submitted to the B.C. Supreme Court on Monday, Lipinski is pushing for the reversal of his dismissal, claiming it was unlawful and that the contractual terms used for his termination are invalid. The petition alleges that he was deprived of procedural fairness and that the Surrey Police Board did not adhere to its own established processes and governance framework.
According to the legal document, Lipinski’s firing was allegedly influenced by external political factors unrelated to his performance or capabilities. Following his termination, two Surrey Police Board members, including then-chair Harley Chappell, resigned. Chappell, who was absent from the critical board meeting where Lipinski’s fate was determined, stated in an affidavit that he was misled about the meeting’s agenda.
The petition further asserts that Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, who took office in 2022 with promises to reverse the contentious Surrey police transition, actively worked to undermine Lipinski’s position and advocated for his removal. It claims that Mayor Locke expressed dissatisfaction with Lipinski’s leadership and personal associations.
The document also highlights Lipinski’s exemplary performance reviews, including a comprehensive external evaluation in May 2025 that received positive feedback from 17 internal and external participants. It contends that Lipinski was never approached regarding any performance concerns prior to his termination.
The petition argues that under both common law and B.C.’s Police Act, police chiefs have legally independent roles and cannot be dismissed without just cause or procedural safeguards. It emphasizes that even though Lipinski’s contract allowed for termination without cause, such clauses are subordinate to provincial regulations.
Additionally, the legal action alleges that Lipinski was denied procedural fairness during the termination process, as he was not given notice or the opportunity to address the board. It claims that the board failed to follow proper statutory procedures, such as convening a special meeting chaired by the board chair.
CBC News reached out to Mayor Locke for comment, and she directed inquiries to the Surrey Police Board. In response, the board stated that public safety and the recruitment of a new chief are its primary concerns. The board acknowledged the petition and indicated that it is evaluating the matter before responding further.
It is important to note that the claims made in Lipinski’s petition have not yet been substantiated in court.