CITY COUNCIL – Mayor wants ban on hiring of family members of councillors

Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has renewed his efforts to eliminate paid meals for council members and staff while attending meetings, and to stop the hiring of close family members of council members.

The mayor has given notices of motion for the two proposals, which he can put forward at the next council meeting on Feb. 3.

Hamer-Jackson says his proposal on meals would be a symbolic gesture from council in a year it is struggling to keep the lid on budget increases. He says the second motion, on the hiring of close family members, is a matter of trust and fairness.

A number of councillors have family members who are employed by the City but the mayor’s motion refers only to future hirings.

NOTICE OF MOTION

Subject: Paid Meals at Council and Committee Meetings

Date of Notice: January 27, 2026

THAT Council direct that the City of Kamloops immediately discontinue the practice of providing paid or catered meals for Council members, senior management, and staff attending Council and Committee meetings.

During this budget period, the City is looking for practical and reasonable ways to reduce costs. While the overall financial impact of this change may be modest, the symbolic importance is significant.

Council and senior management should be held to the same standard as most City employees who pay for their own meals each day. Council and management are fairly compensated for their duties, and leadership should lead by example.

This is a straight forward and low-effort change that demonstrates fiscal restraint, fairness, and respect for public funds.

Notice given by:

Reid Hamer—Jackson, Mayor of City of Kamloops

 

NOTICE OF MOTION

Employment of Immediate Family Members of Council Members

Date: January 27, 2026

WHEREAS public trust in City Hall depends on transparency, fairness, and clear rules that apply equally to everyone;

AND WHEREAS the employment of immediate family members of elected officials can create concerns about influence or special treatment, even when none is intended;

AND WHEREAS many other British Columbia municipalities already have policies in place to address nepotism and the appearance of conflicts of interest;

AND WHEREAS the community has raised concerns about governance and transparency, and Council has an opportunity to set clear expectations before the upcoming election and the 2026 Council term;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to prepare a report for Council on implementing a clear policy that prohibits the hiring or employment of immediate family members of Council members while that Council member is in office.

AND FURTHER THAT the report be returned within 60 days of adoption of this motion and confirm the policy applies going forward only and does not affect existing employees.

Notice given by:

Reid Hamer—Jackson, Mayor of the City of Kamloops