In British Columbia, the RCMP’s top official, Dwayne McDonald, has been removed from his position due to undisclosed allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018, as per an official statement. John Brewer, who previously led B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the deputy commissioner and commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP.
The statement, released by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, mentioned that no further information regarding the allegations would be disclosed at this time. Duheme assured the public that the change in leadership would not affect RCMP operations or policing services in the province.
The allegations are currently under investigation and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP. McDonald, a former top official at the Surrey RCMP and a key figure in federal and organized crime investigations in B.C., had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee webpage.
Having nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, McDonald previously served at the Canada Border Services Agency. He held various significant roles, such as leading the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and was a frequent speaker at press briefings.
In 2015, McDonald was honored with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The B.C. RCMP’s E Division, which McDonald oversaw, is the largest among the RCMP’s 15 divisions.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer and deputy commissioner of E Division, was previously an assistant commissioner within the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a valued member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.