IQALUIT
Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo told Nunavut News/North Aug. 4 that he has now disclosed all the information there is to know related to his need to seek addiction treatment and related to a confession he made Aug. 3 to having had an inappropriate sexual relationship in the workplace.

Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo says he is planning a tour of Nunavut communities to talk to constituents after he admitted having an inappropriate sexual relationship in the workplace. - NNSL file photo

Entering treatment was a combination of both, Tootoo said in an interview.

"I engaged in a consensual but inappropriate relationship. For me, it's not behaviour that I believe was appropriate. For that, I'm ashamed. And I'm sorry," said Tootoo.

"Last week I did say (treatment) was for deeply personal and private issues. Since then Nunavummiut have asked for and deserve further explanation."

Asked why the relationship was inappropriate, Tootoo said he recognized that alcohol had clouded his judgment and taken over his life.

"I knew I was going down a road that I didn't want to be on. I decided I wanted to change and the only way I was going to be able to change my behaviour was to deal with my addiction to alcohol," he said.

Tootoo's disclosure to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took place May 31, two days after a Liberal Party policy convention in Winnipeg May 26 to 29.

"On May 31, Hunter Tootoo acknowledged to the prime minister that he had been engaging in what was an inappropriate relationship in the workplace. He was therefore withdrawing from his ministerial responsibilities and from the Liberal caucus, and taking steps to address his addiction issues," stated Prime Minister's Office press secretary Cameron Ahmad in an e-mail to Nunavut News/North Aug 4.

"In the same conversation, Mr. Tootoo informed the prime minister that he took full and sole responsibility for his inappropriate workplace conduct. In order to respect and protect the privacy interests of all individuals involved, we will not be commenting further on this matter."

Tootoo says he voluntarily went to the prime minister and informed him on what he was going to do and checked himself into rehab right away.

"As I've said, the decision was mine and mine alone," he said.

He would not comment about the specifics of the relationship.

Treatment focused solely on alcohol

"I'm not going to get into any details. My goal, as was requested by the individual, is to protect her privacy. And that's what I'm doing. I'm not going into where they worked, who they were, whether they were a staff member or whether they were not. I'm doing that to ensure I protect the identity of the individual."

Tootoo said his addiction treatment focused solely on alcohol.

"I don't do drugs," he said.

Moving forward, Tootoo said he is committed to his constituents and is planning a tour of the territory to meet with the people of Nunavut.

"I'm reconnecting with my constituents. I'm planning a tour around some of the communities."

Details will be forthcoming. Meanwhile he won't be stepping down as MP of Nunavut.

"I'm not about to turn around from a difficult path ahead of me. I tackle things head on. I'm getting back to work," he said, and that includes heading back to Ottawa in September.

"Everything is out there. I did things in a way I felt would best protect the privacy of the individual involved, as was requested. I will continue to do that. To me, there are no more elements to this story. It's all out there. I'm just looking forward to moving forward and getting to work and being Nunavut's voice in Ottawa."

Tootoo added one final thought related to his statement, that alcohol addiction had clouded his judgment.

"Believe me, I know alcohol is not an excuse for anyone's clouded judgment. I don't want to be that person. I took steps to ensure that I'm not. I'm committed to that," he said.

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