Kamloops, B.C., CAO no longer employed by city, blames embattled mayor for his departure

The City of Kamloops says David Trawin, who was chief administrative officer until he went on leave in March 2024, is no longer an employee of the city.

The announcement came in a statement Thursday that placed blame for the departure on Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, who has been isolated from the rest of council and faces measures to limit his interactions with staff.

The city's statement called Trawin a dedicated employee who had been with the city for more than 20 years and wished him "all the best in his future."

The city said the reason for the departure was that Hamer-Jackson made Trawin's continued employment unsustainable and untenable and "negative or adversely impacted him on both a professional and personal level."

Coun. Mike O'Reilly said those reasons were provided by Trawin.

"It took a long time for the truth and the facts to actually come out, but we think it's incredibly important for our residents of Kamloops to understand the departure of CAO Trawin and how and why that happened — and it is laid on one person," said O'Reilly. "You know this has been going on for quite some time."

"David was and is a highly respected CAO in British Columbia and Canada," he said. "He has led our organization through thick and thin ... We greatly thank him for his service."

Hamer-Jackson told CBC News the statement regarding Trawin's departure was "complete BS."

"It's just crazy. They didn't want me to be elected, and that's the bottom line," he said, repeatedly adding that there was a dispute about whether the mayor had once threatened to fire the CAO.

O'Reilly said there are measures in place to protect staff from Hamer-Jackson, whether it's regarding one-on-one interactions or "disengagement opportunities" for staff. He said the mayor has cost the city more than $1 million in legal fees.

"It's very unfortunate that we're in this position. We can't control the mayor's actions, but what we can do is protect our staff," said O'Reilly.

Hamer-Jackson disputed O'Reilly's claim about legal costs, saying, "I would like to see where the bills are for a million dollars."

He said he gets along with most city employees, except those at the top and councillors, but acknowledged it's frustrating to be isolated at city hall.

"I get a lot of stuff done without council chambers. But it's been a big challenge, every motion I table pretty much doesn't get seconded."

Byron McCorkell, who has been serving as CAO since Trawin went on leave, will continue in the role.

O'Reilly said a significant portion of Trawin's salary from last year, while he was on leave, has been reimbursed to the city by an unnamed third party.