In British Columbia, the RCMP’s top official, Dwayne McDonald, has been removed from his position due to unspecified allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018. John Brewer, previously in charge of B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as deputy commissioner and commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP.
A statement from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme did not disclose details of the allegations but assured that there would be no disruption to RCMP operations or policing services in the province. The allegations are currently under investigation and were only recently brought to the attention of the RCMP.
McDonald, who also served as the deputy commissioner of the RCMP, had a prominent career, including leading the Surrey RCMP and overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in B.C. His bio has been removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.
With nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, McDonald had previously worked at the Canada Border Services Agency. He held various key roles, such as leading the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and often spoke at news conferences. In 2015, he was honored with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP, was previously an assistant commissioner with the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a valued member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.