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By Victor Kaisar

Defamation Suit

Hamer-Jackson-versus-Neustaeter suit now expected to be in court in July

Feb 9, 2025 | 9:04 AM

KAMLOOPS — A long-awaited legal dispute involving Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Councillor Katie Neustaeter may finally go before a B.C. Supreme Court judge in early July.

According to a Feb. 5 court filing, the matter has been tentatively scheduled for the week of July 7, though the date will be confirmed a week before the hearing.

Two previous court dates in November last year and January this year were cancelled at the last minute, most recently because a judge wasn’t available. However, Hamer-Jackson had already applied to the court seeking an adjournment as he “was not adequately prepared.”

At the time, Hamer-Jackson said he was representing himself, though he has reversed that decision and told CFJC last month he was looking for legal representation.

“I do have some assets and once I sell assets, we will be ready to go,” Hamer-Jackson said, referencing his mounting legal bills. “I’ve been looking for lawyers because there are contingency lawyers around but apparently they don’t want to take on my case or cases.”

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Hamer-Jackson sued Neustaeter for defamation and libel connected to a statement she read in chambers on behalf of the entire council in March 2023.

Whenever the matter goes before a judge, Neustaeter will seek a dismissal of the case against her through an anti-SLAPP filing. She is also seeking costs.

“It’s time for this to end,” Neustaeter said in January. “It’s absolutely ridiculous. It was a frivolous and vexatious lawsuit to begin with and now, the waste to taxpayers dollars to the court system itself — it’s absurd.”

“I know this will come to an end eventually, but it should be sooner rather than later.”