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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.”

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.”