Coppermine (Mar 20/06) - Helen Larocque is not guilty and is suing the Government of Nunavut for wrongful dismissal.

Larocque was the director of the Ivalut Healing Centre in Kugluktuk - a correctional facility that houses 16 low-risk inmates - when she was charged with aggravated assault and unlawfully being in a home on July 2, 2005.

Helen Larocque was acquitted of aggravated assault and unlawfully being in a home. The former government worker in Kugluktuk was fired after the charges were laid, and now plans on suing for wrongful dismissal.

She was suspended for 30 days with pay by the Nunavut Department of Justice, and was fired on Aug. 12, 2005.

Six months later, she was acquitted. Now she is suing the government for firing her.

According to his written decision, Justice Robert Kilpatrick had serious problems with the witness and the evidence.

The main witness against Larocque had a blood alcohol level of .30. The legal limit for driving is .08.

The complainant stated that a 27-inch television was toppled over and the attackers were driving ATVs.

There was no evidence of the ATVs being present, or the TV being toppled.

Kilpatrick wrote, "She (the witness) was in a severe state of intoxication at the time of the incident. I accept there were no ATVs or helmets. I am at a loss to determine how the complainant could make this observation in these circumstances."

"It would be dangerous to convict on the strength of her evidence," said Kilpatrick.

Larocque's attorney - Peter Harte - was happy with the acquittal.

"This is a complete victory for Larocque," said Harte.

Her civil attorney - Steven Cooper - plans on filing a civil suit in the next month.

"We are trying to give our client some breathing space for now. We have good grounds to sue the GN. Having the charges thrown out makes it easier," said Cooper.

While the case has been dismissed, Cooper believes that much damage has already been done.

"There was no reason why this should have ever seen inside of a courtroom. It is almost impossible to get her reputation back," said Cooper.

Larocque has company. The Government of Nunavut is being sued by another Kitikmeot resident over wrongful dismissal - former assistant deputy health minister Sharon Ehaloak of Cambridge Bay.

Ehaloak is seeking more than $6 million for being fired from her job.

That case cost the GN $90,000 in the last fiscal year.