The RCMP’s top official in British Columbia has been relieved of his duties due to unspecified allegations dating back to 2016-2018, as stated by the RCMP. Dwayne McDonald, who held the position of deputy commissioner and commanding officer in B.C., has been replaced by John Brewer, the former leader of B.C.’s extortion task force.
According to an announcement by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, no further details regarding the allegations will be disclosed at this time. The statement assures that RCMP operations and policing services in the province will not be affected by this change.
The allegations are currently being investigated and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP. McDonald, who previously served as the top officer at the Surrey RCMP and as the criminal operations officer for federal and organized crime investigations in B.C., has had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.
Having nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience, McDonald previously worked at the Canada Border Services Agency and held various leadership roles, including overseeing the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, was previously an assistant commissioner within the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.
In 2015, McDonald was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The B.C. RCMP, known as E Division, is the largest division within the RCMP’s structure.