Tootoo to seek treatment for addictions
Nunavut MP resigns from cabinet and caucus
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, June 6, 2016
OTTAWA
The shocking news that Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo resigned as minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard was delivered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau May 31.
Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo, at Cambridge Bay's Kitikmeot Trade Show in February with exhibitor Jennifer Tompson, resigned as minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard May 31. - NNSL file photo |
In his curt statement, Trudeau said Tootoo also resigned from the Liberal caucus.
"Mr. Tootoo will be taking time to seek treatment for addiction issues," said Trudeau.
The news was followed by a statement from Tootoo later that evening.
"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," stated Tootoo.
"I have decided to seek treatment for addiction issues and ask for privacy at this time."
The following morning, Trudeau told reporters gathered outside a Liberal caucus meeting that resigning was Tootoo's choice.
"This was his own choice after a very difficult situation and we'll have nothing further to say on the matter," Trudeau said, according to reports.
Government house leader Dominic Leblanc is taking on Tootoo's portfolios in addition to his own responsibilities.
Tootoo rode the red wave to victory on election night last Oct. 19, trouncing incumbent and three-time winner Conservative Leona Aglukkaq. He was sworn into office as the minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Nov. 4 in a ceremony that saw two Inuit girls, Samantha Metcalfe and Cailyn Degrandpre, kick off the event with throatsinging.
Previously Tootoo served as MLA for Iqaluit Centre for 14 years, sitting on cabinet as minister for various departments. He also served as Speaker of the legislative assembly until 2013.
The Internet exploded, shocked with the news of Tootoo's resignation. However support came in from many quarters, including his cousin, hockey player Jordin Tootoo, and his mother.
Jordin, not a stranger to addiction, checked himself into rehab for alcohol addiction in 2010. His story is outlined in his book All the Way: My Life On Ice.
"It takes blood sweat and tears to stand up and ask for help from a real man. @HunterTootoo admitting is the first step. You got this cuz," stated Jordin on Twitter.
"Hunter Tootoo's mother, Sally Luttmer, tells me she's more proud of her son for confronting addiction than when he was named to cabinet," according to Ottawa Citizen reporter Glen McGregor, also on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Premier Peter Taptuna addressed the legislative assembly in Iqaluit June 1, extending his support to Tootoo.
"We are supportive in his move to take time to seek treatment for addictions. He has demonstrated courage and strength to make this decision," said Taptuna.
"He has and always will work hard for Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, and members of the legislative assembly, please join me and extend your support to Mr. Tootoo and his family as he takes this time to heal."
