File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CODE OF CONDUCT

Kamloops council lays out expected actions from Sarai in response to Code of Conduct breach

Jun 9, 2025 | 4:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops council is outlining the steps it plans to take in response to a report that Councillor Bill Sarai breached council’s Code of Conduct and his oath of office, after he secretly recorded a conversation with Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and initially lied about its origins.

Deputy Mayor Mike O’Reilly confirmed on Monday (June 9) that council will be following the recommendations set out in the report from independent investigator Reece Harding, including seeking a written apology from Sarai.

“We took it very seriously, as we do any Code of Conduct complaint, and what council decided is that Councillor Sarai needs to issue a letter of apology to staff, council and the residents of Kamloops. We will be issuing him a letter of reprimand and, furthermore, we are requesting that Councillor Sarai take training on Code of Conduct and interactions with workers and people around city hall,” said O’Reilly. (see Ed. note)

Some previous code of conduct investigations against the mayor have led to deductions in Hamer-Jackson’s pay. O’Reilly stated they are following the exact same steps with Sarai, noting the major difference is Sarai is offering an apology, something Hamer-Jackson has chosen not to do.

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“This isn’t a mayor-or-councillor type situation where we treat anybody differently. An elected official is an elected official,” stated O’Reilly. “These were the exact same steps we took with Mayor Hamer-Jackson on Code of Conduct breaches that happened, and what happened there was Mayor Hamer-Jackson decided not to issue a letter of apology and then from that point, we issued the dock in pay and removal from different things.”

Should Sarai fail to adhere to all recommendations, Sarai’s councillor salary could be reduced by 5 per cent.

O’Reilly noted Hamer-Jackson can, at any time, complete the sanctions against him, including an apology, and have his pay reinstated.

(Ed. note: O’Reilly contacted CFJC Today Tuesday [June 10] to correct the information he conveyed Monday. Council’s resolution states Sarai must deliver apology letters to Hamer-Jackson, council, staff and the public. He must also “take mandatory training on respectful workplace communications or other interpersonal skills,” according to council’s resolution. In the event he does not comply with either requirement, his remuneration will be docked by 5 per cent.)