THE BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced on Monday that Richard Fowler has been appointed special prosecutor to provide legal assistance and advice to the RCMP in relation to an investigation that was initiated by a complaint from the Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum.

On September 13, Assistant Deputy Attorney General for the BCPS, Peter Juk, received a request from the RCMP for assistance from the BCPS during the early stages of the investigation.

The ADAG concluded that, in light of the nature of the allegations, the Mayor’s position as a public official in a senior position of authority, and the ongoing public discussion about the change from the RCMP to a municipal police force in Surrey, a special prosecutor should be appointed.

The appointment of a special prosecutor is intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice. The ADAG appointed Fowler as special prosecutor under section 7 of the Crown Counsel Act because he considered it in the public interest to do so.

Fowler is a senior Vancouver lawyer in private practice. He was given a mandate to provide legal advice to the investigators as may be necessary, conduct any related charge assessment, and assume conduct of the prosecution if charges are approved.

On September 6, Surrey RCMP announced that anyone who had information or dashcam footage, or witnessed an altercation involving McCallum and a gray Ford Mustang at a “Keep the RCMP in Surrey” gathering at Save on Foods located at 3033 152 Street on Saturday, September 4 at approximately 12:30 p.m. was requested to contact them.