OTTAWA – Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo, who cited an alcohol problem for why he left the Liberal caucus and cabinet earlier this year, is now admitting to a “consensual but inappropriate” relationship with an unidentified person.
Tootoo, who declared his return to politics late last month after a two-month hiatus to seek treatment for addiction, had been at the centre of persistent rumours that he was involved with a staff member.
He acknowledged the relationship in a videotaped statement that was delivered at the CBC’s Iqaluit studios and posted to the broadcaster’s regional Facebook page. “I let my judgment be clouded and I also let alcohol take over my life,” Tootoo said, reading from a portfolio on his lap.
“I am ashamed and I apologize to all involved, especially the people of Nunavut. I am deeply sorry.”
In a videotaped statement, Tootoo said he informed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of the relationship on May 31, quit the party and checked himself into rehab.
Tootoo said he let his judgment be clouded and let alcohol take over his life.
READ MORE: MP Hunter Tootoo’s future unclear as he returns to work
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Tootoo informed Trudeau of the “inappropriate workplace relationship” before resigning from his post as fisheries minister and quitting Liberal Caucus.
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“In the same conversation, Mr. Tootoo informed the Prime Minister that he took full and sole responsibility for his inappropriate workplace conduct,” PMO press secretary Cameron Ahmad said in a statement.
Tootoo also said he is taking pains to protect the privacy of the woman involved.
He described himself as “ashamed” and apologizes to all involved, “especially the people of Nunavut.”
Last week, Tootoo came under pressure from constituents and critics in his Nunavut riding for failing to disclose more details about his decision to step down and sit as an Independent.
Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern urged him to come forward and clear the air.
“It puts him – and it puts us – in an extremely difficult position,”Redfern said in an interview at the time. “We only have one member of Parliament.”
Redfern could not be immediately reached for comment, but a series of tweets sent in the wake of Tootoo’s announcement made it clear she’s paying attention.
Several tweets cited legal decisions that discussed consent as it pertains to relationships in the workplace. Added Redfern: “So unanswered question remains … who or how was this inappropriate?”
Tootoo, 52, declared in May he would be stepping down as fisheries minister and leaving the Liberal caucus before beginning a leave of absence to seek treatment for an alcohol problem.
That leave of absence ended July 27 when he invited local residents and journalists to his office in Iqaluit for a news conference and open house, billed as a chance for constituents to “address their concerns.”
“I know I let people down – my family, friends, and the people of this riding – and myself,” he said at the time. “I have work to do to regain their trust and respect. That work begins now.”
Nunavut – a territory the size of western Europe – only has a single federal seat. It is the largest but least populous of all of Canada’s provinces and territories. It’s home to about 34,000 people, 84 per cent of them Inuit.
During his July 27 news conference, Tootoo attributed his drinking to “deeply personal and private issues,” saying he used alcohol as a coping mechanism. In his statement, Tootoo intimated it was the relationship to which he was referring.
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