The British Columbia RCMP’s top official, Dwayne McDonald, has been replaced amid undisclosed allegations dating back to 2016-2018. John Brewer, formerly in charge of B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the new commanding officer. The RCMP Commissioner, Mike Duheme, stated that no further details regarding the allegations would be provided at this time but assured the public that RCMP operations in the province would not be affected.
The allegations against McDonald are currently under investigation and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP. McDonald previously held key positions within the RCMP, including serving as the top officer at Surrey RCMP and overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in B.C. CBC News has reached out to the RCMP for additional information on this developing story.
McDonald’s biography has been removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page. In a 2024 bio, it was noted that he had almost thirty years of law enforcement experience and had worked with the Canada Border Services Agency. He has also led various law enforcement units, such as the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit against gangs.
McDonald was honored with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015 for his contributions. The E Division of the B.C. RCMP, which McDonald oversaw, is the largest division within the RCMP’s structure. John Brewer, who has been appointed as the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, previously held the position of assistant commissioner within the RCMP.
Commissioner Duheme expressed his full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.