A former executive assistant to BC’s minister of transportation says he was ordered to delete more than a dozen emails requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

He claims the November, 2014 FOI request was in relation to the Highway of Tears.

In a letter to the privacy commissioner, Tim Duncan says a ministerial assistant “took a quick look at the list of emails… and promptly directed me to delete them.”

Duncan claims he hesitated, at which time he says George Gretes “took away my keyboard, deleted the emails… and returned the keyboard, stating ‘Iit’s done. Now you don’t have to worry about it anymore.’”

The NDP calls the accusations “shocking,” likening it to “keeping the paper shredder running in the back room all night.”

In the letter, Duncan says “this is not an isolated incident.”

Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham says her office received the letter yesterday.

“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,” reads a written statement.

Highway of Tears FOI letter