You’ve heard the local media’s take on the recent court case. Now I’ll start to offer mine. I’ll get into the “he said, she said” at a later time. For this article, I’d like to take a closer look at the people involved.
The Case
As many know, Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has sued Councillor Katie Neustaeter for defamation. What the court heard over the week of Sep 22 – 26, 2025 was Neustater’s application to have the case dismissed.
As the taxpayers are paying Neustaeter’s legal costs, one can see why she’s gone to the additional expense of trying to get the case dismissed. She has nothing to lose but her dignity and credibility.
The Media
I was pleased to meet a few journalists, including Michael Reeve from CFJC TV, Marcella Bernardo from CBC, and Michael Potestio from Castanet. There may have been others who attended remotely.
Although we often criticize the media for bias, and/or not telling the whole story, a member of the public offered another perspective. They suggested that journalists are often underpaid and under pressure to get their stories submitted within short windows.
After watching these people spending their days on those awful benches, I certainly don’t envy them. It seems like a painful and often boring way to make a living.
The Mayor
The Mayor attended every day. Despite the stakes, he appeared to maintain a friendly and outgoing attitude. Whether we think it naive or not, his belief that the truth shall prevail makes it hard not to root for the underdog, even if just a little.
Although the media hasn’t been kind to the Mayor over recent years, it was interesting to see his rapport with them. They all sat close together and seemed quite friendly towards each other. It’s as though none of them are taking anything personally, and are just doing their jobs.
Neustaeter
Although I’m told Neustater attended the first 2 days, for the remaining days she put her job first and attended the UBCM 2025 Convention in Victoria.
Neustater’s husband Joel was left to hold down the fort. We can say what we will about Neustaeter, but I do admire Joel. He sat on those hard benches for 5 days to support his wife.
I love love, and it always touches my heart to see someone going out of their way to show their love for their partner. I believe it’s that “show me, don’t tell me” that makes a significant difference in a relationship.
Neustaeter had others there to support her, including her campaign manager Alix Dolson, who was present earlier in the week.
The Judge
BC Supreme Court Justice Jacqueline Hughes heard the application. Although I’ve been told Hughes wasn’t as friendly the first couple days, she seemed very reasonable to me on the days I attended (Wed – Fri).
Hughes seemed to be very patient and did her best to get clarity on what information was being provided, and how she was to apply it in her determinations. I have no doubt that she will render a fair decision based on the evidence presented.
Jody Wells
The Mayor’s lawyer, Jody Wells, had her work cut out for her. She took on the case at the last minute after the Mayor’s financial challenges left him without a lawyer. Also to consider is Wells doesn’t have a legal team nor assistants there to support her.
I thought Wells did quite well considering the circumstances. Although Justice Hughes frequently sought clarity on the information Wells provided, Wells kept her cool and worked her way through it.
Earlier in the week, Justice Hughes was concerned whether Wells would finish before the end of the week, but as the week progressed, she expressed confidence in Wells finishing on time. Overall, I believe Wells has given Justice Hughes plenty to consider. Win or lose, the Mayor did have good representation.
Daniel Reid
Neustater’s lawyer, Daniel Reid, struck me as nothing short of a gentleman. He and Wells treated each other with respect and civility throughout my observations. On a number of occasions he even assisted Wells by finding and pointing out the location of information Wells was referencing.
When Reid and Wells referred to each other as “my friend”, one could find it easy to think they actually were friends. I saw no animosity between them, and their focus was on presenting their case with mutual respect and professionalism.
Reid had the benefit of speaking last. Although Wells presented good arguments, Reid finished strong, also giving Justice Hughes plenty to consider. I was left with the impression that it’s anyone’s game and I wouldn’t put money on either side. And unlike some competitions, I doubt it will be a draw.
The Public
The ones I have the most empathy for are the public. Whether they are family members of those involved, taxpayers, or residents, they all deserve better. The Mayor and Neustaeter should have resolved this privately.
Council
I’m sure you expect me to criticize someone, and I will. Council should never have decided to fund this fiasco. In my opinion, it was a mostly personal matter that got way out of hand. Although I have emailed the Mayor and Council in the past, requesting the Mayor and Neustaeter make up, I knew they had already taken it too far.
The only appearance from Council that I noticed was from Councillor Kelly Hall. I was kinda hoping he’d pull out his phone and the justice would yell “Off with his head!”. But that didn’t happen. Somehow he resisted the urge. If only he could bring that level of self-control to council meetings.
Election 2026
The next election is October 17, 2026. I urge all to pay close attention over the next year. Make an effort to get the facts. Look beyond the media and attend some council meetings. And when the time comes, please vote!
Let’s not just vote for whoever seems to be the most popular. Let’s take a hard look into the candidates’ character, ability, and commitment to serve the public’s interests rather than their own.
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