Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lost his first cabinet minister this week as Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo resigned his position-and left the Liberal caucus-citing addiction issues.
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In a brief statement delivered this morning outside the Liberal caucus meeting, Trudeau acknowledged the challenge faced by the Nunavut MP.
The release says Tootoo will be taking time to seek treatment for addiction issues.
The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says he’s shocked by Hunter Tootoo’s resignation.
LeBlanc’s father, Romeo LeBlanc, held the same position under Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, in the early 1970s.
In October, Tootoo defeated incumbent Conservative Leona Aglukkaq to become the Member of Parliament for Nunavut.
Tootoo isn’t the first Liberal MP in this government to seek help for addiction problems.
“All I can do is wish Hunter well”, said veteran MP Wayne Easter.
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Tootoo is related to NHL player Jordin Tootoo, a forward for the New Jersey Devils, but he has been quick to quash the idea he may share some of the hockey skills honed by his cousin. Newfoundland and Labrador MP Seamus O’Regan sought treatment for alcohol issues late past year, but remained in the Liberal caucus and received a public message of support from the prime minister.
