Yellowknife (Oct 17/03) - Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger won't have to give evidence in a $2 million civil suit until after November's territorial election a Supreme Court justice has ruled.

Miltenberger is being sued along with the YK 1 School District and several board members by former superintendent Kenneth Woodley.

Woodley, who was let go the board in October of 1999, is seeking $2 million in damages for wrongful dismissal.

Miltenberger -- Education Culture and Employment Minister at the time of Woodley's firing-- was scheduled to give evidence during a discovery hearing.

But Woodley's lawyer was late in getting court files to government counsel Sheldon Toner, who said he didn't have enough time to prepare Miltenberger for the hearing.

Justice Ted Richard agreed to delay the proceeding until after the Nov. 24 election, so Miltenberger could campaign as MLA for Thebaca.

At the heart of the conflict is a defamation of character suit launched by Woodley against radio station CJCD and social activist Laurie Sakardi in the late 1990s.

The board agreed to foot the bill for the suit but soon became disenchanted with the way it was being handled. Woodley said in a statement of claim he was unfairly dismissed by the board and his lucrative severance package was revoked without cause.

In a statement of defence, the board said Woodley allowed the suit to interfere with his job, didn't tell members of a proposed settlement and presented bills for legal services which were not authorized by the district.