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TORONTO - The Ontario Liberal caucus paid the spouse of a top aide to Dalton McGuinty $10,000 to wipe computer hard drives in the premier's office, police alleged in court documents released Thursday.

The information used by Ontario Provincial Police to obtain a search warrant that was executed in November at a provincial government cyber security office in Toronto was made public after media lawyers requested it be unsealed.

The warrant is part of an OPP investigation into deleted documents on the Liberals' decision to cancel two gas plants prior to the 2011 election, at a cost to taxpayers of up to $1.1 billion.

Computer expert Peter Faist was asked by his spouse, Laura Miller, "to wipe off personal data on approximately 20 desktop computers in the premier's office," alleges Det.-Const. Andre Duval in his application for the warrant.

"Faist was under the impression that Cabinet Office was aware of his presence and the work requested of him," wrote Duval. "He was paid an amount of $10,000 by the Liberal caucus for his work."

Miller was McGuinty's deputy under chief of staff David Livingston, who is being investigated by the OPP for alleged breach of trust.

No charges have been laid, and Livingston has insisted he has done nothing wrong. Lawyers representing Miller and Faist said their clients also did nothing wrong.

The opposition parties said the court documents were proof the Liberals used the majority they won June 12 to shut down legislative committee hearings into the cancelled gas plants before Faist could be called to give damning testimony.

"It really tells the tale of why the premier and the government was not in any way shape or form allow the truth to come out," said Progressive Conservative house leader Steve Clark.

Original post:
Ontario Gas Plant Scandal: Cops Say Liberals Paid Expert $10K To Wipe Hard Drives