B.C. RCMP Commanding Officer Relieved of Duties as Allegations From 2016 to 2018 Investigated

Lucas Tremblay

8/14/20262 min read

The RCMP’s top officer in British Columbia has been relieved of his duties while the force investigates unspecified allegations dating from 2016 to 2018.

Dwayne McDonald has been replaced as deputy commissioner and commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP by John Brewer, who has been appointed to the role on an interim basis.

In a statement Thursday, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said the allegations had only recently been brought to the force’s attention and are now under investigation.

The RCMP has not disclosed the nature of the allegations or provided additional details.

“I want to reassure you that there will be no impact on RCMP operations or policing services in the province,” Duheme said.

Brewer Appointed Interim Commanding Officer

Brewer previously served as an assistant commissioner with the RCMP and more recently headed B.C.’s extortion task force.

He has now been appointed interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner.

Duheme said Brewer has his full confidence and described him as a “respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.”

B.C.’s E Division is the largest of the RCMP’s 15 divisions.

McDonald Held Several Senior Policing Roles

McDonald has held numerous senior positions during a law enforcement career spanning nearly three decades.

He previously served as the commanding officer of the Surrey RCMP and later became the province’s criminal operations officer responsible for federal and organized crime investigations.

His earlier roles also included leading the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, which focuses on organized crime and gang activity.

Before joining the RCMP, McDonald also worked with the Canada Border Services Agency.

He received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015.

Biography Removed From RCMP Leadership Page

McDonald’s biography has since been removed from the RCMP webpage listing members of the force’s senior executive committee.

A biography published by the RCMP in 2024 described him as having nearly 30 years of policing and law enforcement experience.

McDonald was also a frequent public representative for the force and regularly appeared at news conferences involving major investigations and public safety issues.

Peazzi has contacted the RCMP seeking additional information about the allegations and investigation.

The force has said it will not provide further details while the matter is under investigation.

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