CITY HALL – Hamer-Jackson hit with new sanctions over latest Code report

Almost a year after it was filed, a code of conduct complaint has resulted in new sanctions against Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson for allegations of bullying and harassing City staff.

It’s the fifth time the mayor has been found to have breached the City’s code of conduct policies, and may result in further cuts to his paycheque.

In a post on its website, the City says the complaint was filed by Coun. Dale Bass in June of 2025, claiming Hamer-Jackson had improperly disclosed third party personal information in email correspondence to councillors, and that he had “harassed, intimidated, and obstructed” City staff.

“The investigator found that Mayor Hamer-Jackson breached the Code of Conduct by sending a series of emails and text messages in April and May 2025 to City staff and Council that contained personal information contrary to privacy principles, and that were sent to bully, intimidate, and harass staff members in an improper exercise of his official duties.”

The investigator, Vancouver lawyer Reece Harding, said Hamer-Jackson declined to take part in the review despite being offered several opportunities. At various times, Harding said, he asked the mayor to participate but “I was unable to obtain a substantive response to any of these communications….”

Hamer-Jackson has accused Harding of bias in previous investigations.

Harding said in his report that after numerous requests for a response, Hamer-Jackson replied via email, “Please just do your report and send to your same jury (councillors). Thanks Mayor Hamer-Jackson.”

Harding said the mayor’s failure to participate led to significant delays in the investigation and increased its costs, which came to $52,360.63.

Following receipt of Harding’s report, council voted to approve a letter of reprimand, issue a public censure, tell Hamer-Jackson to sign letters of apology to each of three City staff members, and take training regarding personal information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

If he doesn’t write the apology letters, his remuneration will be reduced by five per cent for each letter “until such time as he has complied….”