A defamation lawsuit brought by Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson against city council member Katie Neustaeter remains pending as a B.C. Supreme Court judge has not yet made a decision. The dispute stems from allegations made by Neustaeter in March 2023, accusing the mayor of improper conduct, which Hamer-Jackson claims damaged his reputation. Neustaeter, on the other hand, contends that her remarks were justified due to the mayor’s interactions with her father, former MLA Kevin Krueger, who has been suffering from dementia since January 2025.
The legal battle has been ongoing, with both parties presenting their arguments in court. Neustaeter’s lawyer has argued that the case should be dismissed under the Protection of Public Participation Act, asserting that the comments made by Neustaeter were fair criticism. The judge’s ruling will determine whether Hamer-Jackson will be liable for Neustaeter’s legal fees, currently covered by the City of Kamloops.
Justice Jacqueline Hughes recently rejected additional affidavits submitted by Hamer-Jackson’s family members, citing their late submission. The lawsuit is one of two filed by Hamer-Jackson against Neustaeter, with the second claim involving allegations of monitoring her activities at city hall. The outcome of the current case may impact the second lawsuit, according to Reid, Neustaeter’s legal representative.
A verdict is pending from the judge, with the next city council meeting scheduled for October 7 in Kamloops.
