â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Government accused of destroying Highway of Tears emails

In a complaint to BC privacy commissioner, a former staff member in Minister of Transportation is accusing the government of destroying internal records before they become public.

In the letter, Tim Duncan identifies himself as a former “executive assistant” to Todd Stone. He says last November he was asked to find records on public consultations on the Highway of Tears for a Freedom of Information Request.

After searching his email and finding over a dozen hits, Duncan says the Ministerial Assistant in the office directed him to delete them. When he hesitated, Duncan says the official took away his keyboard and deleted them saying; “It’s done. Now you don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

Duncan says he questioned this tactic to a BC Liberal caucus research Director who told him; “It’s like the West Wing. You do whatever it takes to win.”

In the letter Duncan closed by telling the Privacy Commissioner that he doesn’t believe that this was an isolated incident, and that the practice is systemic and widespread, urging Elizabeth Denham to investigate the matter further.

In released statement the Privacy commissioner said they received the letter yesterday and are looking into the accusations

“My Office has been in touch with the individual who raised these allegations, and I am
now determining next steps in an investigation under section 42 of the Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”

The full letter, which was released today by the BC NDP in the legislature, is shown below.

During question period Premier Christy Clark said the government would fully cooperate with any investigation following these accusations.

CGHNQu_W8AA8_ND

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Colin Dacre
Colin Dacre
Raised in Surrey BC, graduate of BCIT that moved north to pursue the news. Email me at [email protected] or find me on twitter

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

Website refresh surfaces more of your important local stories

Regular visitors to this website will have noticed some changes to the home page and other templates in recent days.

City launching update for Active Transportation Plan

The City of Prince George is launching an update to its Active Transportation Plan, and is inviting feedback from residents. According to the City, the updated plan will guide the development of infrastructure and programs which support safer, more accessible, and more convenient travel options for people of all ages and abilities. 

Three B.C. First Nations get federal funding for clean energy projects

Three First Nations in British Columbia will receive federal funding for clean energy projects.

RCMP looking to identify suspects in repeated vandalism investigation

The Prince George RCMP are looking to identify suspects in an investigation into repeated vandalism at a residence on the 100-block of McQueen Crescent. According to police, the initial investigation began in late May, when unidentified suspects threw a rock through the front window of the home, and spray painted the front with orange spray paint.

B.C. sharpens claws on exotic cat ownership

British Columbia is moving to ban all exotic cats in the province.
- Advertisement -