NDP call for seizure of Liberal hard drives in alleged bribery investigation

Don't touch those hard drives, Premier Wynne.

In this open letter to Elections Ontario, NDP House Leader Gilles Bisson calls for the immediate seizure of Premier Wynne's computer hard drive, as well as hard drives of her staff and Liberal party officials.

Given the Liberal history with erasing their hard drives, it is essential that an investigation by Elections Ontario move quickly to determine who was involved in this alleged bribery attempt and that records are not destroyed.

 

 

Mr. Greg Essensa, Chief Electoral Officer

Sent by Fax & Email

Dear Mr. Essensa,

Yesterday I requested you launch an investigation into bribery allegations involving the Liberal Party for the upcoming Sudbury by-election. These are serious allegations that involve the Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, Pat Sorbara (currently listed as the Premier’s Deputy Chief of Staff) and Gerry Lougheed (senior Liberal operative). In light of this, I am calling on you to take all necessary steps under your purview to ensure that all the information that will be required for a possible investigation is not destroyed or deleted.‎

Such steps should include obtaining a legal preservation order and seeking the immediate and proactive seizure of the Premier’s hard drive, as well as hard drives for her Chief of Staff and Deputy Chiefs of Staff and other individuals, as required. I would also suggest seeking preservation of emails at the Liberal Party of Ontario‎, and that of Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault.

It’s essential that your investigation move quickly to determine who was involved in this alleged bribery attempt and that records are not destroyed.

As you may be aware, former Premier McGuinty’s Chief of Staff David Livingston is currently under investigation by the OPP anti-rackets squad regarding the deletion of government emails and breach of trust in the $1.1 billion gas plant scandal. I am deeply concerned that emails or other records relating to these bribery allegations may be destroyed in this instance as well.

The outcome of your investigation could hinge on the ability of investigators—whether they are from Elections Ontario or the police—to seize information in its complete form. I trust that you will act in the best interest of Ontarians.

Sincerely,
(original signed)

Gilles Bisson, MPP

Timmins - James Bay

Ontario NDP House Leader

 

Cc:

Brian Beamish, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario