The British Columbia RCMP’s top leader, Dwayne McDonald, has been removed from his position due to unspecified allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018, the RCMP stated. John Brewer, who previously oversaw B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the new deputy commissioner and commanding officer for the B.C. RCMP.
The RCMP Commissioner, Mike Duheme, mentioned in a statement that detailed information on the allegations will not be disclosed at this time, assuring that there will be no disruption to RCMP operations in the province. The statement noted that the allegations are currently being investigated and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP.
Prior to his current role, McDonald served as the head of the Surrey RCMP and was responsible for federal and organized crime investigations in British Columbia. His biography has been removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page, and a 2024 bio highlighted his extensive law enforcement experience spanning nearly three decades.
McDonald’s previous roles included leading the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. He also received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015. The B.C. RCMP, also known as E Division, is the largest of the RCMP’s 15 divisions.
Meanwhile, John Brewer, now the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, was praised by Duheme in the RCMP statement, stating that Brewer has his full trust and is a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team. Brewer, a former assistant commissioner with the RCMP, has taken on the role following McDonald’s removal.