Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson is once again taking legal action against City Councillor Katie Neustaeter, filing a second defamation lawsuit that accuses her of making “false and scandalous” claims about his conduct related to female councillors’ bathroom usage at City Hall.

The new claim, filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, stems from a series of emails in May 2024 in which Neustaeter allegedly accused the mayor of behaving in a “creepy” and “unsafe” manner—suggesting he had monitored her and another female councillor using a restricted bathroom. Hamer-Jackson argues these comments, sent to all members of council and senior city staff, have irreparably harmed his reputation.

“These accusations are completely unfounded,” Hamer-Jackson wrote in court documents. “They have caused serious damage to my reputation, my dignity, and my family.”

Background of the Latest Claim

The lawsuit centres around an incident on May 24, 2024, when Hamer-Jackson says he saw Neustaeter exit a secured “Restricted Area” of City Hall, which elected officials are not permitted to enter unaccompanied. He says he raised the issue with staff as per protocol, not knowing Neustaeter had been escorted by a director to use a washroom in that area.

In response, Neustaeter allegedly sent an email accusing the mayor of tracking her movements, exhibiting “creepy” behaviour, and being an “unsafe person.” The next day, Hamer-Jackson claims, she doubled down on her accusations—suggesting he watches female councillors use the washroom and “tracks” their visits.

The claim says Neustaeter has not retracted or clarified her comments.

Neustaeter Responds

In a written statement provided to Radio NL, Neustaeter dismissed the lawsuit as a continuation of targeted harassment:

“I expect Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson will continue his public persecution of me as long as I keep speaking the truth about his behaviour—I accept that as a consequence of standing up to his relentless bullying and harassment.

In my opinion, the claim itself is exaggerated, inaccurate, and only makes him look worse again. I wish I could say I’m surprised, but at this point I’m not.

I don’t understand why he continually wants to draw public attention to his poor conduct, but I guess that’s his choice to make.”

A Pattern of Legal Action

This marks the second time Hamer-Jackson has sued Neustaeter for defamation. In June 2023, he filed a lawsuit over a joint public statement Neustaeter read on behalf of council at a news conference, accusing the mayor of “violating personal boundaries.” That statement followed a decision by the mayor to remove several councillors from key committees and install members of the public—some of whom were campaign donors or personal associates.

Hamer-Jackson claimed the reference to “violating boundaries” was based on his attempts to contact Neustaeter’s father, former Kamloops MLA and B.C. cabinet minister Kevin Krueger, during a period of strained communications. He said the lawsuit was necessary to defend his reputation after being publicly labelled as inappropriate.

At the time, Hamer-Jackson told Radio NL, “I’ve had people call me a pervert… I want to focus on city business.” He expressed hope the lawsuit might actually improve relations on council by forcing clarity and accountability.

Current Legal Relief Sought

In the current claim, Hamer-Jackson is seeking:

• General and special damages;

• Aggravated and punitive damages;

• Special costs;

• Interest under the Court Order Interest Act;

• And any further relief the court deems appropriate.

He alleges that Neustaeter’s emails imply, among other things, that he stalks female councillors, keeps track of their bathroom habits, and generally behaves like a “ladies’ washroom creeper.”

“These statements would clearly diminish the Plaintiff’s reputation in the eyes of ordinary, reasonable members of society,” the suit claims.

Political Fallout

The ongoing legal battles between Kamloops’ top elected officials highlight the deep divisions at City Hall since Hamer-Jackson’s election. His term has been marked by repeated public and private clashes with council members over leadership style, transparency, and alleged misconduct.

Neustaeter has not yet filed a formal response to the latest claim. The allegations have not been tested in court.

She has 21 days to respond if served within Canada and may also choose to counter-sue or argue defences such as fair comment, qualified privilege, or responsible communication in the public interest.