FISHERIES MINISTER RESIGNS
Tootoo cites addiction issues
Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, has resigned his cabinet seat to deal with addiction problems, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a surprise announcement late Tuesday.
“Mr. Tootoo will be taking time to seek treatment for addiction issues,” Trudeau said in a written statement.
The MP is also leaving the Liberal caucus, the prime minister said, noting the resignation was effective immediately.
In a statement, Tootoo, 52, said: “As of today I have resigned as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and will be stepping down as a member of the Liberal caucus in order to not distract from the important work of my colleagues.
“I have decided to seek treatment for addiction issues and ask for privacy at this time.”
A native of Rankin Inlet, Tootoo was first elected to parliament on July 27, 2015, as the Liberal candidate for the Nunavut federal riding. He assumed his cabinet position when the Trudeau Liberals took power in November 2015.
Before entering federal politics, Tootoo served as the speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. He also represented the riding of Iqaluit Centre in the legislature from 1999 to 2013. During those years, he served as the minister responsible for Nunavut Housing Corp., the minister responsible for homelessness and the minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corp.
Tootoo was among 180 guests invited to the White House in March for a state dinner in honour of Trudeau. Tootoo can boast of U.S. connections — his cousin, Jordin Tootoo, plays for the New Jersey Devils and used to play for the Nashville Predators and the Detroit Red Wings.
In his statement, Trudeau said Dominic Leblanc will be assuming Tootoo’s responsibilities, in addition to being government House leader.
I HAVE DECIDED TO SEEK TREATMENT.