The RCMP’s top official in British Columbia has been replaced after facing undisclosed allegations dating back to 2016-2018, as per an official statement. Dwayne McDonald, previously serving as deputy commissioner and commanding officer, has been succeeded by John Brewer, who led the extortion task force in BC.

The statement from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme on Thursday confirmed the leadership change without delving into specifics of the allegations. Duheme assured that the transition would not affect RCMP operations or policing services in the province.

The allegations, recently brought to the RCMP’s attention, are currently under investigation. McDonald, a former Surrey RCMP chief and the RCMP’s criminal operations officer for federal and organized crime investigations in BC, has had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.

McDonald, with nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience and prior service at the Canada Border Services Agency, has held various key roles, such as leading the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer and deputy commissioner of E Division, was formerly an assistant commissioner with the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.

McDonald, a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015, oversaw the largest RCMP division in BC, known as E Division. Brewer’s appointment comes amidst ongoing investigations into the allegations against McDonald.