Discover Garry Begg’s path from RCMP service to razor-thin electoral wins, major achievements, and his future as B.C.’s Public Safety Minister.
Introduction
Picture this: a high-stakes election, a vote margin thinner than a hair, and a man who’s calm in the chaos. Meet Garry Begg, the long-serving MLA from Surrey–Guildford. With deep roots in law enforcement and a passion for community well-being, Begg’s career is anything but ordinary. From policing the streets to policing policies, his journey is one of grit, grace, and grit again. Let’s explore how he rose through the ranks and why his story is one of British Columbia’s most compelling.
Early Life and Background
Garry Begg didn’t start out in the spotlight. Born in Ontario, he was raised in a family grounded in strong values. Community service was never just a choice—it was a way of life. That mindset led him to a decades-long career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), where he served across Canada and eventually made Surrey his home for over eight years. He quickly became familiar with the challenges and opportunities facing one of B.C.’s fastest-growing cities.
Education was always important to him, as was leadership rooted in real-life experience. His journey through the RCMP helped shape his sense of justice and commitment to public safety. His wife, Val Begg, has been a constant support through every chapter of his life. Though his first political run in 2015 was unsuccessful, it sparked a drive that would soon place him at the heart of provincial politics.
Career Journey
After hanging up his RCMP uniform as an inspector, Garry Begg didn’t slow down—he simply changed uniforms. In 2017, he stepped into the political arena and ran for MLA in the newly established Surrey–Guildford riding. His campaign focused on community, public safety, and progressive development. He won the seat, defeating a fellow former RCMP officer and ushering in a new era of leadership for the riding.
Re-elected in 2020, Begg served as caucus whip, sharpening his legislative strategy and coalition-building skills. But it was the 2024 election that truly tested his mettle. On election night, he was trailing by over 100 votes. Yet, as mail-in and absentee ballots were counted, the tide turned. By the time the dust settled, he had won—by just 22 votes. The recount process was painstaking and intense, but in the end, Begg emerged victorious.
That narrow win secured the majority for the provincial government and earned Begg a place in the Premier’s cabinet. On November 18, 2024, he was sworn in as B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General—a major promotion that reflected both his experience and his trustworthiness.
Key Achievements & Public Perception
Garry Begg has become known for his steady hand and practical problem-solving. He’s backed key initiatives that improved housing access, healthcare delivery, and public transit. Under his watch, speculation taxes helped curb housing market inflation. The province also expanded development around transit hubs, streamlined permitting for new housing, and invested heavily in infrastructure.
In health care, more doctors were hired and new medical facilities—including a teaching hospital—were greenlit across Surrey and beyond. Policing efforts were also bolstered, with hundreds of new officers added to local forces. All of this has made him a respected figure across party lines. Constituents see him as approachable and results-oriented, someone who understands issues from both a street-level and systems-level view.
Controversies & Challenges
Every public figure faces scrutiny, and Garry Begg is no exception. His razor-thin win in 2024 prompted a legal challenge from the opposing party, which raised concerns about ballot validity and voting procedures. While the matter awaits judicial review, no misconduct has been attributed to Begg himself. His team has remained focused on moving forward and delivering on campaign promises.
Current Role & Future Outlook
Now at the helm of public safety for all of British Columbia, Begg is tasked with some of the province’s most critical issues—crime prevention, policing reform, and community protection. His goals include cracking down on repeat offenders, curbing organized crime, and restoring public trust in justice systems. With Surrey’s population on the rise, his work will directly shape the region’s future. All signs point to an even more influential role ahead.
Conclusion
Garry Begg’s story is one of transformation—from a police officer patrolling neighborhoods to a cabinet minister guiding provincial policy. His resilience through political challenges, combined with a deep understanding of community needs, has made him a leader worth watching. In a province where growth, safety, and fairness are more important than ever, Begg stands as a steady hand steering the course forward. His legacy, still unfolding, is already one of meaningful impact.
