The RCMP said its commanding officer in British Columbia has been relieved of duty following unspecified allegations against him.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said in a statement Thursday that the force was recently made aware of allegations against Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald dating from 2016 to 2018.
He said 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,” said Duheme.
McDonald’s official RCMP biography says he has over 29 years of experience in law enforcement, with the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP.
Before being appointed as B.C.’s top Mountie, he served as assistant commissioner and criminal operations officer for B.C. Before that, he was in charge of the RCMP detachment in Surrey.
Assistant Commissioner John Brewer has been appointed interim commanding officer.
“I recognize that changes of this nature may be concerning for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve,” said Duheme.
He said he has full confidence in Brewer as interim commanding officer.
“John Brewer 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,” said Duheme.
“I want to reassure you that there will be no impact on RCMP operations or policing services in the province,” he said.
