Henry Braun presents to city council on Tuesday (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

MUNICIPAL ADVISER REPORT

Adviser’s report challenges Hamer-Jackson on statements made during his work

May 8, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops’ municipal adviser Henry Braun presented his final report to council on Tuesday (May 7) morning. In total, the report made 23 recommendations and highlighted 16 main challenges observed by Braun.

One of the top challenges was ‘inconsistent statements on receipt of important documents’ and another was ‘awareness regarding official report and complaints.’

Henry Braun’s report, page 9

Those issues were raised by Braun following a meeting with the mayor on April 4th.

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There was a brief showdown between Braun and Kamloops mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson on Tuesday, after former seemed to catch the later in a lie.

“Inconsistent statements on receipt of important documents. By acknowledging receipt of an essential report to the media after denying knowledge of it in official discussions, the mayor has demonstrated a concerning discrepancy between his private admissions and public statements,” said Braun.

That statement from Braun was later highlighted by Councillor Kelly Hall during a question and answer period.

“Can you elaborate on that, just with reference to what is the context of that particular paragraph, please?” asked Hall.

“The mayor has acknowledged in public that he was cooperating in the investigation when the accounts in the media, quoting a privileged and confidential investigative report, states otherwise. That is where that comes from,” responded Braun.

Hall then asked Braun about challenge Number 14.

Henry Braun’s report, page 10

“While in the possession of the privileged and confidential investigation report, the mayor denied knowledge of the contents and the complaints against him.”

Braun was asked about that point and highlighted the timeline.

“The mayor said that he had received that report in the mail on April 2, that was two days before I met him where he told he didn’t know what was in it. And that is how it found it’s way into this report,” noted Braun.

While the mayor attempted to return serve, saying he received it prior but had not yet read it, he was quickly cut off by councilors asking him to stick to the speakers list.

When it was finally again the mayor’s turn to ask a question, councillors questioned if he was attacking Braun’s credibility.

“Have you ever been an adviser for another municipality or corporation or an investigator or have an investigative license or any law degree or anything?” said Hamer-Jackson.

“Are you questioning his credentials?” said Councillor Katie Neustaeter.

“Thank-you,” responded Hamer-Jackson ending his line of questioning.

Braun stated that he is not an investigator and that this was his first opportunity to serve as a municipal adviser to a struggling community.