Seamus O’Regan, the Liberal MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl who entered a wellness program for an alcohol problem in December announced on social media Monday he’s been sober for 40 days and is “reporting back for duty” in Ottawa.
O’Regan said in a Facebook post he had undergone hours of counselling since entering a Toronto treatment facility on Dec. 11 after finishing his work on Parliament Hill.
“Over the last year or two, alcohol was becoming a part of my daily life. I regularly had several drinks at the end of most days. Sometimes more than several drinks,” he wrote.
“I was still working effectively and competently, but I realized, over time, that being competent was not good enough. I was far from my best self. And the simple truth is that I owe my best self to my marriage, to my family, to my friends, and to my constituents.”
He added that he was at the facility until just a few days ago.
“I have spent the last 40 days alcohol-free. I have had the benefit of many hours of counseling, meditation and acquiring the tools to remain alcohol-free,” he wrote.
READ MORE: Liberal MP Seamus O’Regan enters treatment facility
O’Regan thanked all those who called or wrote to support him over the last few weeks.
“I have dealt with my personal challenges and I shall continue to do so. But, ultimately, my personal challenges are secondary to the needs of my constituents,” he wrote.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed his support when O’Regan announced that he was seeking help over the holiday break.
The House of Commons will resume sitting on Jan. 25.
- Budget 2024 failed to spark ‘political reboot’ for Liberals, polling suggests
- Train goes up in flames while rolling through London, Ont. Here’s what we know
- Peel police chief met Sri Lankan officer a court says ‘participated’ in torture
- Wrong remains sent to ‘exhausted’ Canadian family after death on Cuba vacation
Comments