Kamloops controversy: Mayor says he abruptly left meeting due to conflict with non-profit
Within the first minute of Tuesday’s city council meeting in Kamloops, Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson announced he wouldn’t be able to participate, citing a conflict of interest.
According to Castanet Kamloops, Hamer-Jackson went home and watched the meeting online.
“I’m surprised he didn’t give a broader explanation both to council and the city,” said Coun. Katie Neustaeter. “I believe that we are elected with the expectation that we’ll be transparent, whether that’s about conflicts or any other business that we’re taking on.”
Speaking to CTV News via Zoom, Hamer-Jackson says he recused himself primarily because he claimed to have a conflict arising from a city staff report that was on the agenda.
That report outlines progress on motions from 2021 and 2022 "regarding health services, social housing, and safety and security concerns," according to its summary. The report includes a brief section on funding of various initiatives in the city provided through the Union of BC Municipalities Strengthening Communities’ Services Program.
Among the recipients of funding is ASK Wellness, a non-profit that Hamer-Jackson told CTV News he is currently in a dispute with over allegations of defamation. No claims have been filed in court, but lawyers have exchanged letters.
“I would’ve preferred for that 26 pages to not be on the agenda at that time,” said Hamer-Jackson. “Because, I still got this letter looming over me. I’m just looking for action or retraction, you know?”
Neustaeter believes the mayor could have simply recused himself for that specific report. Adding that the ASK Wellness Society wasn’t the focus of the report.
“That was a very small element,” said Neustaeter. “Whether they were even mentioned by name was so insignificant that I don’t recall whether they were specifically named.”
Hamer-Jackson also told CTV News he was disappointed that councillors conducting a closed-door meeting prior to the council meeting that he walked out of.
Neustaeter wouldn’t reveal what the closed-door meeting was regarding, but says the city council agenda wasn’t the focus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.