Fired B.C. government drug researcher sues province, health minister

VICTORIA – A former Health Ministry drug researcher is suing the B.C. government and the health minister saying he’s done nothing wrong and he wants his reputation back.

Ron Mattson, who’s also a View Royal council members in suburban Victoria, launched a lawsuit claiming wrongful dismissal, defamation and that the government withheld his pay.

Mattson is one of seven former government workers fired earlier this year amid an ongoing health research grant investigation that has yet to produce criminal charges.

His civil suit was filed Monday in B.C. Supreme Court and seeks damages for breach of contract and defamation.

Mattson wasn’t told why he was fired and says he’s dedicated 28 years of service to an employer who has treated him inappropriately.

In an issued statement, the Health Ministry says it won’t comment on the allegations but will defend its actions in court.