Sarai apologizes for lying about recording conversation with Kamloops mayor

Hamer-Jackson did not participate in the investigation and denied the allegations. He has repeatedly called on council to release Honcharuk’s report publicly and claims not to have a copy himself, though he personally handed a copy to CFJC News in April. Now, the mayor contends he cannot be certain of the authenticity of that document as he has never officially received a copy from the City of Kamloops.

Earlier this year, Sarai sent Hamer-Jackson a portion of the recording but lied about its origin. When Hamer-Jackson called on the RCMP to investigate whether his office was bugged with a recording device, Sarai admitted to investigators he had made the recording.

In council chambers Tuesday, Sarai admitted as much publicly.

“Recording my conversation with the mayor was not illegal, but was unprofessional and unacceptable,” said Sarai. “When confronted with the source of the recording, I was truthful to the authorities but not to the mayor. For that, I apologize for lying to you, Mr. Mayor.”

The councillor went on to say he will participate in “any consequences deemed appropriate.”

Hamer-Jackson thanked Sarai, then called on council to lift a series of sanctions it has placed against him in the wake of allegations of poor workplace behaviour detailed in Honcharuk’s report, which was cited by municipal adviser Henry Braun in his damning report issued in spring.

“It’s been a real whirlwind for myself,” said Hamer-Jackson. “This [recording] sparked the Honcharuk report, sparked the Braun report.”

Over the course of the past year, council has removed Hamer-Jackson as the city’s official spokesperson, kicked him off of several committees and boards, docked his pay and moved his office into the basement of City Hall.

Upon hearing the mayor’s request to lift sanctions, Councillor Kelly Hall read a prepared statement.

“To correct the record, the protective measures imposed by council to shield staff from the mayor have nothing to do with this argument and the mayor is well aware of this,” said Hall. “Likewise, the argument had nothing to do with the investigation of municipal adviser Henry Braun or the municipal adviser’s finding in this report. Finally, this argument had nothing to do with any of the subsequent independent investigations into the mayor’s breaches of the Code of Conduct or Worksafe BC complaints about his mistreatment of staff.

“Any statements to the contrary are simply not true.”

Hamer-Jackson attempted to continue the debate, but adjournment was promptly moved and seconded, forcing him to end the meeting against his will.

CFJC News spoke to several supporters of Hamer-Jackson outside City Hall after the meeting wrapped up.

“Political corruption and misconduct is not something that should be swept under the rug with an apology — especially after the severe sanctions that [council has] placed on the mayor for less provable allegations of misconduct and breaches of the legislation that governs him,” said Erica Peltier.

“It’s been going on since Day One. [Council has] never supported [the mayor] in anything. It’s horrible,” added Denise Powers. “They’ve got this name, ‘The Hateful Eight,’ and they’ve earned it.”

A petition has been launched calling on Sarai to resign his position.

Sarai confirmed a third party will be asked to review the matter and recommend potential consequences for council to consider.

Transcript of Sarai’s apology, read at Tuesday’s meeting:

“I am here today to apologize to my colleagues, to the residents of Kamloops and to my family. Recording my conversation with the mayor was not illegal, but was unprofessional and unacceptable. When confronted with the source of the recording, I was truthful to the authorities but not to the mayor. For that, I apologize for lying to you, Mr. Mayor. I realize I broke our Code of Conduct and I will fully participate in any consequences deemed appropriate. I strive to hold a high standard, as your publicly elected official, to make discourse in our city better, to conform to professional standards instead of acting in a reactionary way. It is something I will improve on and something this city deserves from all our elected officials. I know I have damaged the trust I had with all of you and I am committed to doing what’s necessary to earn it back. On that, I have made a decision to concentrate more on my mental health and well-being, which has been profoundly affected by the ongoing stressful environment within and outside of these council chambers for the past two years. I hope you all understand that and respect my decision. Thank-you.”

Ed. note: An earlier version of this story stated an independent investigation had been launched. Sarai reached out to clarify the independent party will simply recommend a consequence in light of his admission.

by James Peters / Michael Reeve

Sarai apologizes for lying about recording conversation with Kamloops mayor

Transcript of Sarai’s apology, read at Tuesday’s meeting:

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