A special prosecutor appointed to advise RCMP investigating allegations that a former B.C. government employee lied while testifying under oath has withdrawn hours after his selection was made public.
Greg DelBigio was appointed by the Criminal Justice branch to provide legal advice to Mounties probing BC Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham’s report. The report examines claims by a whistleblower that his supervisor, Transportation Ministry ministerial assistant George Gretes, deleted emails connected to a freedom-of-information request.
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A special prosecutor is often appointed in situations like this to ensure the investigation is arms-length from the government. DelBigio was supposed to conduct an independent assessment of any decision on possible charges.
However, DelBigio is currently representing Mark Robertson, a former Liberal Party employee, after charges were levied against him last year for his role in the “quick wins” scandal the government faced in 2013.
Hours after that connection came to light this afternoon, DelGigio stepped down.
“Neither Mr. DelBigio, nor the Criminal Justice Branch, considers this situation as one that gives rise to any real or apparent conflict of interest,” wrote the Ministry of Justice in a statement.
“However, out of an abundance of caution and in recognition of the importance of safeguarding the perceived and actual integrity of the investigation and prosecution process, Mr. DelBigio has decided to withdraw from his appointment as Special Prosecutor.”
The Assistant Deputy Attorney General will now take steps to appoint a new special prosecutor to help probe Denham’s report.
Denham found former Transportation Ministry ministerial assistant George Gretes admitted to giving false testimony while under oath, although the allegation has not been proven.
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.
– With files from The Canadian Press