Kamloops mayor removed as official spokesperson for council and the city

The mayor of Kamloops is no longer the city’s official spokesperson.

In a news release distributed to media Wednesday (May 29), Kamloops councillor Kelly Hall – the deputy mayor for the month of May – unveiled resolutions from a closed council meeting on May 14, which includes the decision that Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson would no longer speak on behalf of council or the City of Kamloops.

The resolution reads:

“Council directs the Deputy Mayor, as designated from month to month, to deliver letters to all levels of government, applicable governmental agencies, and applicable community partners, including the City’s Business Improvement Associations and the Chamber of Commerce, advising that the Mayor does not speak on behalf of Council or the City of Kamloops and that official communications should be directed to the Deputy Mayor and Council”

The resolution stems from a report released by Henry Braun, a municipal advisor appointed by the B.C. government, where his findings claim that Hamer-Jackson’s statements and allegations “could be harmful and potentially legally damaging to the City.” Additionally, Braun found that Hamer-Jackson “demonstrated a concerning discrepancy between his private admissions and public statements.

In Wednesday’s news release, Hall says council is taking this action to reinforce accountability standards and protect the interests of residents and the City of Kamloops.

“In face of challenges, our council remains confident in our ability to govern effectively and lead our city forward,” Hall states. “These measures signify council’s resolve to maintain trust and transparency in our leadership. We will move forward with confidence and continue to put the interests of the community ahead of our own, knowing our actions will reinforce ethical governance.”

CFJC Today is reaching out to Hamer-Jackson for his comments on the move.