Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CITY HALL HARASSMENT

Probe exonerates Kamloops councillor for bullying statement; mayor re-alleges investigator bias

Feb 4, 2026 | 4:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — A code of conflict complaint filed by Kamloops mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson against Councilor Dale Bass has been dismissed following an investigation by Reece Harding. To date, city taxpayers have been charged just over $480,000 for 28 code of conduct reports, with the latest dismissal costing nearly $59,000 alone.

Hamer-Jackson’s complaint stemmed from a story published by CFJC News. 

Earlier this month, city council ordered Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson’s office moved to an unused boardroom in the basement of city hall, citing multiple open worksafe investigations against Hamer-Jackson.

“He bullies and harasses, and staff does not feel safe. We have staff off on medical leave because of his presence,” said deputy mayor Dale Bass. “We have an obligation to provide a safe working environment for our staff. That means ensuring the mayor does not have access to staff.”

That story, first aired on October 30, 2024, was the crux of the code of conduct complaint filed by Hamer-Jackson, alleging the comments made by Bass breached the code in a defamatory way.

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Harding has found that not to be the case, dismissing the complaint in full, breaking down the claim into three issues — that he bullies and harasses, that staff doesn’t feel safe and that staff are on medical leave because of his presence.

Report by Reece Harding (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

As has become common in code of conduct investigations, Harding’s report states Hamer-Jackson was uncooperative in the investigation, despite being the person to bring it forward.

Report by Reece Harding (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

“The mayor as the complainant provided me with next to no information or evidence to substantively support his complaint,” reads the report. 

Bass was unavailable for a TV interview on Wednesday (Feb. 4) but told CFJC News she was happy the report is now public and is fully conclusive on the impacts to staff.

Report by Reece Harding (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

The report, published to the city’s website, includes statements made by the city’s human resources manager, confirming bully and harassment allegations against the mayor through WorkSafeBC.

Report by Reece Harding (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

Hamer-Jackson was also not available for comment on Wednesday, but speaking briefly with CFJC, reiterated a long-standing complaint that he believes Harding is biased, and was hired by the city “to get the result they want.” Adding he asked for the complaint to be dismissed after learning of who would conduct the investigation.

Report by Reece Harding (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)