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The information at the heart of the latest investigation was unearthed by the official Opposition when it asked for numbers of managerial and director government email records in 2016.

After requesting similar information a few months later, it found 800,000 emails across government departments had since been deleted.

The numbers also showed Notley’s then chief of staff Brian Topp had just one email in his sent folder, 78 in his inbox and an empty deleted mail folder, despite being in the job since the NDP formed the government in May 2015.

Deputy chief of staff Anne McGrath had just 18 emails in her inbox, one sent message and, like Topp, an empty deleted items folder.

Also of concern for the Opposition was incentivized email deletion. In one case, transportation bureaucrats stood to win one of three $50 Apple gift cards if they scrapped at least a quarter of their emails.

The United Conservative Party raised the issue with Clayton in September, eight months after commissioner slammed the government’s lack of respect for FOIP legislation.

In a January report, she wrote that freedom of information in government departments is “fast approaching a crisis.”

McLean said the government is working hard to change the culture around freedom of information, and has already made improvements.

Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA Nathan Cooper said Tuesday he’s pleased the investigation is going ahead.

“The government continues to be disrespectful when it comes to ensuring government records are maintained and upheld,” he said.

“At the end of the day, this is public information the government is not treating with the type of respect it deserves.”

The former Progressive Conservative government faced numerous questions over its own adherence to FOIP laws.

That party now makes up part of the UCP. Cooper said the new caucus is focusing on transparency.