VICTORIA — A special prosecutor has been appointed to advise RCMP investigating allegations that a former B.C. government employee lied while testifying under oath.
The allegations were made by British Columbia Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham in a report examining claims by a whistleblower that his supervisor deleted emails connected to a freedom-of-information request.
Denham's highly critical report found former Transportation Ministry ministerial assistant George Gretes admitted to giving false testimony while under oath, although the allegation has not been proven.
The Criminal Justice Branch has appointed Greg DelBigio to provide legal advice to Mounties probing the commissioner's allegations, making the investigation arms-length from the government.
DelBigio will also conduct an independent assessment of any decision on possible charges.
Gretes was suspended with pay last May after the allegations came to light and Transport Minister Todd Stone says the man's resignation was accepted on the day Denham released her report.
