Province says former high sheriff's firing was justified

In a statement of defence filed at Supreme Court in St. John's, the province says it fired the former high sheriff of Newfoundland and Labrador for good reasons.

That former high sheriff, Ernest Boone, is suing the provincial government for wrongful dismissal. Boone held the post for six years, until he was let go last October.

In a statement of claim filed in July, Boone said he doesn't know why he was fired, adding there is no evidence in his work history to justify dismissal with cause.

But in its statement of defence filed last week, the province cites several reasons for Boone's dismissal, including that his performance as high sheriff had fallen below the degree of leadership, professionalism, and diligence required of a senior manager.

It added that Boone was inappropriately confrontational and combative while he was in the job, and that his behaviour was damaging to employee morale.

The statement of defence continues by saying that Boone's behaviour disrupted the possibility of him establishing a sound working relationship with the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

The province said Boone was fired for cause and is not entitled to the lost wages and interest that he's seeking.

Boone also wants the court to order the province to pay him for the costs of the lawsuit.

The province is firing back saying it wants the court to dismiss the claim and award it costs for having to fight it.

Boone claims "the department's decision to terminate him 'for cause' was unfounded, harsh, unwarranted, unjust and unlawful.'"

Currently, no court dates have been set on the matter.