The RCMP’s top official in British Columbia has been dismissed from his position following unspecified allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018. Dwayne McDonald has been substituted as deputy commissioner and commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP by John Brewer, who previously led the extortion task force in the province.
According to a statement by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, the force will not disclose further details about the allegations at present. Duheme assured that the RCMP’s operations and policing services in the province will not be affected by the change in leadership.
The statement confirmed that the allegations are currently under investigation and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP. McDonald, who previously served as the Surrey RCMP’s chief and held the position of RCMP’s criminal operations officer overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in British Columbia, had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.
In his 2024 biography, McDonald was highlighted for his extensive law enforcement experience spanning nearly three decades, with past roles at the Canada Border Services Agency. He had also led various units such as the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit combating gang activities.
McDonald, a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015, was responsible for overseeing the largest division within the RCMP, known as the B.C. RCMP, or E Division.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, was formerly an assistant commissioner with the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.