Kamloops, B.C. council strips mayor of city spokesperson duties

The city council in Kamloops, B.C., has taken a bold step to stop Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson from serving as the city’s official spokesperson amidst ongoing feuds and controversies. Since his election in 2022, Hamer-Jackson has been embroiled in multiple disputes with city councillors, leading to investigations into an allegedly unsafe workplace, a defamation lawsuit against a councillor, and the suspension of the city’s acting CAO.

The situation escalated when a provincially-appointed municipal adviser issued a scathing report criticizing Hamer-Jackson’s treatment of council and city staff, prompting a non-binding vote calling for his resignation. In response to the report’s recommendations, the Kamloops council has directed the deputy mayor to act as the city’s spokesperson instead of the mayor, citing the need to improve communication and address disruptions and misinformation.

Deputy Mayor Kelly Hall emphasized that the resolution was not meant to silence Hamer-Jackson but to ensure the smooth running of city operations. The council may consider further sanctions against the mayor to implement the adviser’s recommendations for change. Municipal Affairs Minister Anne Kang expressed support for the council’s decision and offered guidance as they navigate the situation.

Despite protests in support of Hamer-Jackson outside city hall, Hall urged protesters to consider the adviser’s report and ongoing lawsuits as reasons for council intervention. Hamer-Jackson, on the other hand, believes the council’s actions are part of a coordinated strategy against him since his election, expressing a desire for accountability and resolution in court.

As the controversy unfolds, the role of mayor in Kamloops will now be filled by the deputy mayor on a rotating basis, highlighting the challenges faced by the city in maintaining effective governance and communication. The outcome of this power struggle between the mayor and council remains uncertain, but it underscores the importance of leadership and collaboration in local government.