File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

City Hall

Kamloops mayor files second defamation lawsuit against councillor

Aug 1, 2025 | 3:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has launched a second defamation lawsuit against a council colleague.

A filing in BC Supreme Court dated July 31 alleges Councillor Katie Neustaeter defamed Hamer-Jackson by accusing him of monitoring her bathroom breaks.

According to the filing, the issue originated from a series of emails copied to councillors and senior city staff in May 2024.

The discussion begins with Hamer-Jackson questioning why he saw Neustaeter emerge from an area of city hall he understood was subject to movement restrictions due to newly-enacted security measures.

Civic Operations Director Jen Fretz responded by explaining she had escorted Neustaeter to a bathroom, in compliance with the protocols.

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Hamer-Jackson alleges that’s when Neustaeter accused him of “surreptitiously tracking her movements, documenting when she uses the bathroom, engaging in creepy behaviour and being an unsafe person.”

The mayor is seeking damages and costs.

Speaking to CFJC Today Friday, Hamer-Jackson wouldn’t comment further on the suit, saying the filing speaks for itself.

Neustaeter sent CFJC Today this response to the lawsuit via text message:

“I expect Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson will continue his public persecution of me as long as I keep speaking the truth about his behaviour — I accept that as a consequence of standing up to his relentless bullying and harassment. In my opinion, the claim itself is exaggerated, inaccurate, and only makes him look worse again. I wish I could say I’m surprised, but at this point I’m not.

I don’t understand why he continually wants to draw public attention to his poor conduct, but I guess that’s his choice to make.

The mayor’s use of defamation lawsuits against people who stand up to him is concerning. Politicians should be free to disagree and hold each other accountable without fear of being sued.”

None of Hamer-Jackson’s claims have been tested in court.

This is the second defamation lawsuit Hamer-Jackson has filed against Neustaeter.

The first, initially filed in June 2023, alleges she defamed him in a public statement on behalf of council in which she accused him of breaching personal and professional boundaries.

Neustaeter filed to dismiss that lawsuit under anti-intimidation law.

There have been multiple delays in the progress of the first suit through the courts. Earlier this month, Justice Jacqueline Hughes granted Hamer-Jackson’s request for a temporary adjournment so his new lawyer could be brought up to speed. The case is now set to be heard in late September.