File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

Hamer-Jackson v Neustaeter

Kamloops mayor files appeal of defamation suit loss; decision on costs to proceed

Mar 4, 2026 | 4:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Councillor Katie Neustaeter were back in a Kamloops courtroom on Wednesday (March 4) morning in front of Justice Jacqueline Hughes, as Neustaeter seeks costs following the dismissal of a defamation suit filed against her by the mayor. But as that case appears to be near a conclusion, Hamer-Jackson has officially filed an appeal before the courts, wishing to see the decision overturned.

“I think we need a trial. I think we need people to go on witness stands, not 200 pages of affidavit of mostly one person,” said Hamer-Jackson. “And I just hope that Councillor Neustaeter will not be using the taxpayers’ money to fund this application.”

Neustaeter has been indemnified by the city, meaning city coffers are paying for her legal expenses, but following the initial dismissal she is seeking costs.

“I certainly am seeking special costs. Reid Hamer-Jackson has cost the taxpayers in many ways including this indemnification. That exists so people can’t sue political opponents into destitution, can’t silence their voices from holding them accountable, which Reid Hamer-Jackson has desperately needed since day number one. So this is to reimburse the taxpayers for these legal bills,” Neustaeter told CFJC News.

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The councillor said she was unsurprised that Hamer-Jackson would appeal the decision, but doesn’t understand where in the decision the mayor is taking issue.

“It doesn’t matter that it’s inadvisable. It doesn’t matter that anybody that has read the decision by the judge would say an appeal is inadvisable. He can’t seem to make a decision to benefit even himself, let alone the city,” said Neustaeter. “I’m not surprised, nor will I lose sleep over this.”

The appeal is not delaying the case proceeding related to costs, with that decision expected in the months ahead. Hamer-Jackson is currently representing himself on the appeal.

“Especially after listening to cross-examination, I believe people – and I have watched a few cases where people get on a witness stand,” said Hamer-Jackson. “You know, filling out an affidavit is one thing. When Councilor Neustaeter said that since day one violating her personal boundaries and going after her family and other families, why wasn’t there one affidavit?”

Hamer-Jackson confirmed there is currently no set timeline for his two other defamation cases before the courts – one involving Neustaeter and the other, Kamloops developer Joshua Knaak.