Nunavut MP returns from leave of absence

Hunter Tootoo revealed Wednesday he has been working through “deeply personal and private issues” as the MP and ex-Liberal marked his return from a twomonth leave of absence from politics to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. Tootoo, who represents the northern riding of Nunavut, held a news conference at his office in Iqaluit, his first appearance in the public eye since abruptly leaving cabinet and caucus at the end of May. Alcohol, which has long plagued a number of Tootoo’s family members, is often a coping mechanism for trauma — and trauma is far too common a plight in aboriginal communities, the MP said. “I have personally been affected by those impacts,” Tootoo said.