B.C.'s top Mountie relieved of his post after years-old allegations surface

B.C.’s top RCMP officer has been relieved of his position after allegations dating back to 2016 were disclosed to the police force.

Details of the allegations against Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald were not provided, but he has been replaced by Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, who becomes an interim deputy commissioner and commanding officer of the RCMP in B.C.

In a statement on Thursday, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said the allegations against McDonald “were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP.”

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“Investigations are ongoing. We are treating this matter with the attention and diligence it requires. We will not be providing further details at this time,” Duheme said.

“I recognize that changes of this nature may be concerning for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve. Commanding officers play a critical role in the delivery of policing services, and it is important that we maintain continuity and stability in leadership.”

He said Brewer, who most recently headed the B.C. extortion task force, “is a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team and is fully aware of the policing priorities and engaged in the policing needs of British Columbia.”

“He has my full confidence as interim commanding officer, as well as the confidence of the (RCMP) senior executive committee,” Duheme said.

“I want to reassure you that there will be no impact on RCMP operations or policing services in the province. We remain focused on our mandate and on maintaining the trust and confidence of the people and communities we serve.”

McDonald has been a respected RCMP officer over his 31 years of service.