OTTAWA - Ontario's top court court threw out former cabinet minister Helena Guergis' wrongful dismissal lawsuit against Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his staff on Friday, ruling the firing and hiring of cabinet ministers is beyond the court's jurisdiction.

"The subject of this alleged conspiracy is conduct protected by the doctrine of Crown prerogative and is, therefore, beyond the jurisdiction of this Court," ruled Ontario Superior Court justice Charles Hackland.

Guergis wanted $1.3 million in compensation for alleged damages suffered as result of her highly publicized removal from cabinet and the Conservative caucus in 2010.

Guergis' outser came after allegations surfaced suggesting she may have been involved in criminal activity with her husband and former Tory MP Rahim Jaffer. The RCMP has since ruled there were no basis for charges against the pair.

Guergis' has argued she has been defamed because Harper told journalists he had received serious allegations about her and a letter was sent to the RCMP citing allegations received by the Prime Minister's Office.

Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre would not comment on the ruling specifically when asked Friday.

"All I can say is it speaks for itself and the prime minster conducts himself with the highest ethical standards," he said. "We look forward to moving on and focusing on the issues that matter to Canadians."

Guergis' lawyer could not be reached for comment. In a posting on Facebook, Guergis expressed her disappointment with the decision, and has instructed her lawyer to launch an appeal.

"I should have the opportunity to present my evidence in court," she wrote. "I believe Canadians would be disturbed. The average Canadian doesn't believe politicians or their staff.. should be above the law."

Guergis wrote that on a positive note, she was enjoying "private time with my family and look forward to beginning law school in a week."

Guergis will be studying at the University of Alberta.

Kristy.Kirkup@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @kkirkup