Doug Ford’s Chief of Staff Faces Scrutiny Over Missing Texts After Phone Reset
Doug Ford's chief of staff, Patrick Sackville, is under scrutiny following revelations that several months of government-related text messages have gone missing. This controversy has emerged after Sackville allegedly failed to back up his phone data before trading it in, resulting in the loss of key communications. The issue surfaced during a prolonged freedom of information request by Global News, which sought text records exchanged between Sackville and Phil Verster, CEO of Metrolinx, in 2023. These texts, covering both casual conversations and serious government discussions, were initially expected to be available but could not be retrieved due to the reset of Sackville’s old phone.
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The government has acknowledged that Sackville used his personal iPhone for official communications with Verster, including messages that could be deemed sensitive, such as those involving cabinet discussions and advice to the government. Unfortunately, when Sackville upgraded his device in December 2023, the crucial messages were not transferred due to an issue with his iCloud backup. Government lawyers stated that Sackville's phone was reset by the vendor, and as a result, the data was lost forever. This oversight has led to months of government text messages being considered as “missing data” and unavailable for further review.
This incident raises significant concerns about the management and preservation of government records, especially since the missing texts span a critical period. In early 2023, multiple investigations into Ontario's Greenbelt scandal were underway, making the missing conversations all the more problematic. Ontario’s opposition leader, Marit Stiles, expressed grave concerns over the loss, suggesting that such a lapse in record-keeping could have serious consequences. She criticized Sackville’s actions, suggesting that it’s highly unlikely that a senior official would be unaware of the importance of retaining government communications.
Sackville, however, maintains that the loss was accidental, stating that he did not realize the data had not been transferred and that he was unaware of the potential issues with his iCloud backup. The premier’s office has emphasized that the data loss was an unintended error, though some critics remain unconvinced. This situation highlights not only the risks associated with using personal devices for official matters but also the potential for greater scrutiny in handling sensitive government records. As the investigation into this issue continues, the government is under pressure to address how such lapses could be prevented in the future, particularly given the serious implications of lost communication during politically sensitive times.
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