MP acknowledges ‘personal, private issues’ as he makes return
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 two-month leave of absence 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, acknowledging that the words of encouragement he received from friends, family and supporters during the recovery process made a significant difference.
“I am extremely grateful for the patience you have granted me during my healing,” he said.
“I know I let people down – my family, friends, and the people of this riding – and myself. I have work to do to regain their trust and respect. That work begins now.”
Tootoo acknowledged in a statement the decision to resign his post as fisheries minister and leave the Liberal caucus was his and his alone – a detail Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already made plain.
However, while wishing Tootoo well in his recovery, the Prime Minister’s Office suggested Wednesday it’s unlikely he’ll be invited back into the caucus fold.
“His status with regard to the Liberal caucus remains unchanged,” spokesman Cameron Ahmad said in a statement.
Government House leader Dominic LeBlanc, who assumed Tootoo’s responsibilities on the fisheries file, has since juggled both roles.