OTTAWA—Hunter Tootoo has been working through “deeply personal and private issues,” the ex-Liberal said Wednesday, July 27, as he resumed his MP duties following two months off to seek treatment for alcohol addiction.
Tootoo, who represents the northern riding of Nunavut, held a news conference at his office in Iqaluit and met with constituents, his first appearance in the public eye since abruptly leaving cabinet and caucus at the end of May.
He said alcohol, which has long posed a challenge to a number of his family members, is often used as a coping mechanism for trauma—and trauma is far too common a plight in aboriginal communities.
“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.”
