The British Columbia RCMP’s top official, Dwayne McDonald, has been replaced amidst unspecified allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018, as per an announcement from the RCMP. John Brewer, who previously led the extortion task force in B.C., has taken over as the deputy commissioner and commanding officer for the province.
In a statement attributed to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, it was mentioned that the details of the allegations would not be disclosed at this time, emphasizing that there would be no disruption to RCMP operations or policing services in the region.
The statement highlighted that the allegations are currently under investigation and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP. McDonald, who previously served as the head of the Surrey RCMP and as the RCMP’s criminal operations officer overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in B.C., has had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.
Having nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, McDonald had also worked at the Canada Border Services Agency. He held various key positions, including leading the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, frequently engaging in news conferences.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer and deputy commissioner for E Division, was previously an assistant commissioner with the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, citing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.