File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Kamloops city hall

Investigation into bullying complaints against Hamer-Jackson meant to protect staff, taxpayers: deputy mayor

Jun 21, 2023 | 10:55 AM

KAMLOOPS — An independent firm is investigating allegations that Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has created a hostile work environment at Kamloops City Hall.

Deputy Mayor Mike O’Reilly says several City Hall employees came forward with complaints of “negative and adverse treatment,” meaning the city had a legal obligation to act.

“Like all employers, the City of Kamloops has a legal duty to provide a safe workplace for its employees, free of bullying and harassment,” O’Reilly told CFJC Today. “When it receives complaints alleging that an elected official is mistreating staff, the city is legally obligated to inquire into the matter. It has no choice in the matter and must act as a matter of law.”

The investigation began around mid-February. O’Reilly says it’s not clear when the investigation might wrap up.

In the meantime, O’Reilly says the City of Kamloops has had to make provisions to shield employees and ensure they are safe at work.

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“The municipal corporation has been forced to take extraordinary steps to protect certain members of staff from ongoing mistreatment and a hostile work environment at the hands of an elected official. The city must do so in order to discharge its legal duties and avoid potential legal claims,” said O’Reilly.

While the city is obviously concerned about the safety of its staff, O’Reilly says diligent treatment of the issue is also important to ensure taxpayers are not on the hook for legal liability.

“The cost of these legal claims, which could involve very substantial monetary liability, will ultimately be borne by the taxpayers,” he said. “The city is doing everything it can to avoid such a terrible result for the residents of Kamloops.”