Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has been found to violate the city’s code of conduct for the fifth instance. A recent investigation report released by the city revealed instances where Hamer-Jackson bullied staff and infringed on their privacy by disclosing personal information. The report, dated February 2026, quoted external investigator Reece Harding criticizing the mayor’s behavior as unwelcome, intimidating, and humiliating towards staff, questioning their professional capabilities.
This marks the fifth substantiated code of conduct complaint against Hamer-Jackson, as confirmed by the City of Kamloops. Councilor Dale Bass lodged the complaint, citing abusive communication towards staff and privacy breaches by the mayor. The investigator recommended council formally reprimand the mayor and issue him a letter of reprimand. Additionally, the mayor was advised to issue three letters of apology to the affected staff members. Failure to comply could result in a five percent reduction in pay for the remainder of his mayoral term.
In a closed meeting, council mandated Hamer-Jackson to provide apologies to the staff within 30 days. Failure to do so would result in a five percent pay cut per outstanding apology letter. The council also insisted on the mayor undergoing mandatory workplace training on safeguarding personal information, with the consequence of a further five percent pay reduction if he declined.
The investigation faced challenges as Harding noted the mayor’s uncooperative behavior, leading to the closure of the investigation without his input. Hamer-Jackson’s emails to staff regarding deleting potentially compromising emails and questioning privacy breaches were deemed aggressive and sarcastic. The mayor countered the claims, stating he had not seen the allegations and refused to apologize to the staff in question.
Councilor Bass defended her complaint, emphasizing the importance of ensuring staff’s safety and the need for accountability. Despite the financial implications of the investigation, she underscored the council’s responsibility to address such misconduct.
The ongoing saga between Mayor Hamer-Jackson and the council highlights the significance of upholding professional conduct and respecting privacy within municipal governance.