Resign or be fired.
Those were the two options given to a Kelowna Mountie after it was determined that his multiple incidents of impaired driving compromised the RCMP. The written decision was dated Dec. 11, 2025 by Sara Novell of the RCMP’s Conduct Board.
On May 20, 2023, around 10:50 p.m., Sgt. Quinton Mackie, who was a 25-year veteran with the RCMP and part of the Kelowna RCMP’s E-Division, was pulled over at a BC Highway Patrol checkpoint while off-duty as he was travelling eastbound on Ferry Road in Prince George.
Const. Kevan Cranmer of BC Highway Patrol signalled Mackie to stop, and requested Mackie’s driver’s license and address.
Cranmer asked Mackie to provide a breath sample, to which Mackie agreed. He also said his last alcoholic beverage was “10 minutes ago.” When providing the sample, Mackie allegedly said something to the effect of “oh, I know, I’m a member,” to Cranmer. The decision also stated that Mackie had “bloodshot and watery eyes” and an odour of liquor from his mouth.
Mackie blew a ‘fail’ on two tests. Cranmer issued Mackie an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), prohibiting him from driving for 90 days along with a $500 fine.
Novell said conduct that would otherwise amount to a criminal offence is “fundamentally irreconcilable with the duties of a police officer, whose legitimacy depends on exemplifying respect for the law.” She added that impaired driving poses a known and substantial risk to human life and public safety.
While Novell notes that driving under the influence is an offence under the Criminal Code, Mackie wasn’t charged criminally. He was fined under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act.
“The conduct is not merely unlawful, but also recklessly endangers others and is incompatible with a police officer’s duty to protect and serve the public,” Novell added.
This is also not the first time Mackie was found to be driving while impaired.
On March 12, 2017, he was found driving impaired and given an IRP. He was penalized on July 26, 2017, which included nine days without pay.
Novell also pointed out that, even though Mackie was off-duty at the time of the incident, the RCMP’s Code of Conduct applied to members both on and off duty.
Mackie was given a Notice of Public Hearing on Aug 12, 2024, which outlined the alleged violation. On Nov. 8, 2024, Mackie provided a response, admitting to the allegations and its particulars.
Over the course of two days via video-conference, on May 7 and May 13, 2025, Novell delivered her decision, confirming the allegation and then heard from Mackie and his representative as well as a Conduct Authority Representative. Mackie was in Kamloops for the decision.
The sides disagreed on Mackie’s punishment as the conduct authority representative asked for Mackie to be dismissed or have two weeks to resign while Mackie’s representative asked Novell to impose a reprimand, a forfeiture of pay, an ineligibility for promotion for three years and have Mackie undergo counselling specifically related to alcohol.
Public Interest
In the decision, Novell had to consider several factors and determine the weight of the situation, which was outlined.
The first was public interest, as Novell stated again that police officers are held to a higher standard, whether on or off duty.
While the Conduct Authority Representative said Mackie’s impaired driving and his law enforcement duties have a “direct link” to the public’s interest, Mackie’s representative agreed but said specific facts and circumstances should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“Impaired driving by police officers is a serious breach of social responsibility and safety,” Novell’s decision reads. “Failure to address misconduct such as this one appropriately may lead to diminished confidence in the ability of the RCMP to enforce laws impartially and effectively. Sergeant Mackie has failed to live up to the standard the public expects from a member of the RCMP.”
Remorse and a few tough years
In his testimony, Mackie expressed remorse for his decisions, saying “made a horrible decision that night,” “that it was a terrible mistake,”and that he feels “horrible for everything.” He also expressed hope to use his experience to assist others in the future.
Mackie went on to explain that he had been on sick leave from the RCMP since 2021 after he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He began treatment at that time.
The next year, Mackie became “very sick,” which resulted in “significant stress, major surgery and a lengthy recovery.” In addition, work and personal life stressors led to the May 20, 2023 incident. Mackie mentioned the stress of taking care of his adult autistic stepchild.
At the same time and while on off due to his illness, he was requested to testify before the Human Rights Tribunal for an investigation he had led. He said the case “was tough” and held a “huge weight” on him, adding 2022 and 2023 were “extremely stressful.”
While the Conduct Authority Representative acknowledged Mackie’s hardships, they stated there was no evidence between them and his impaired driving.
Novell was also provided a letter from psychologist Dr. Irene Spelliscy, outlining Mackie’s PTSD diagnosis. However, again, no medical evidence linked his condition and the incident at hand.
Mackie also provided three letters from former colleagues and friends, which were all very positive, as they referred to him as “a diligent, hard-working, responsible, trustworthy, dedicated and committed member of the RCMP.” They all noted that Mackie taking responsibility for the incident was consistent with his character.
His representative also submitted that if Mackie lost his job, it would have a “significant impact” on his family. While sympathetic, Novell said there wasn’t enough evidence to contribute weight to the decision.
The potential of Mackie offending again
The Conduct Authority Representative said there’s no evidence to say Mackie wouldn’t drive while impaired again, calling the 2023 incident “copy and paste” from the 2017 occurrence.
“I find that the similarities between both misconducts are very concerning,” Novell said.
The 2017 incident happened after Mackie left a house party and “held the honest belief that his ability to operate a motor vehicle was not impaired when he chose to drive.” He took responsibility and said it wouldn’t happen again.
In the record of decision from July 2017, the Conduct Authority considered that is was an isolated incident, that it was out of character, and that there was a “minimal likelihood of recidivism.”
Novell said she can’t consider these same factors since both incidents are so alike.
Mackie testified about multiple types of therapy he’s participated in to help with his PTSD, adding that he saw Spelliscy approximately 30 times between September 2021 and October 2024.
Since the 2023 incident, he also has attended and participated in group counselling sessions, saying he’s gained “several tools” to help better himself.
Mackie’s representative submitted a letter from Spelliscy, dated November 2024, that Novell felt insightful and also raised concerns.
It stated that while Mackie has improved his coping skills, “he would likely benefit from inpatient treatment, trust issues, a need for control of his environment, and social withdrawal appear to be impediments.
The letter continued:
“Mr. Mackie will likely continue to struggle with PTSD symptoms until he engages in more ongoing and intensive intervention again, as well as a period of time when he is not exposed to investigations as a member, inquiries, court, etc. He would benefit from an independent medical evaluation to explore alcohol use/abuse to determine whether treatment would be in his best interest, perhaps in an outpatient program.”
The letter added that Spelliscy believed Mackie would benefit from weekly sessions to stay on top of symptom management with current skills and interventions, including cognitive processing therapy maintenance and [accelerated resolution therapy] as needed.
“I am unsure of Mr. Mackie’s willingness for that level of involvement with therapy again but would welcome exploring this further in light of his recent [driving under the influence] and ongoing investigation around this.”
Mackie also confirmed in the hearing that he hasn’t seen Spelliscy since October 2024 due to taking care of his mother-in-law. While he didn’t have any appointments scheduled, he said he intended to see Spelliscy again.
“While I empathize with the stress Sergeant Mackie has experienced these past years, and without diminishing the sincerity of his remorse as well as the past efforts he has made to address his mental health issues, I am concerned by his recent apparent lack of engagement to further his rehabilitation,” Novell said. “Accountability in this respect is crucial because it underpins Sergeant Mackie’s individual rehabilitation and organizational trust.”
Decision
Novell said she found the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating factors in this case.
Ultimately, she gave Mackie 14 days to resign from the RCMP. If he failed to do so, he would be dismissed.
Under the RCMP Act, either party had 14 days to file an appeal for the decision.
It’s unknown if it was appealed or which decision Mackie made.