Former fisheries minister Hunter Tootoo is returning to work following treatment for alcohol addiction, he announced Monday.
Tootoo resigned from cabinet and from the Liberal caucus on May 31, saying he was “stepping down as a member of the Liberal caucus in order to not distract from the important work of my colleagues.”
Tootoo announced his return to work along with an invitation to his Nunavut constituents to join him at his Iqaluit constituency office.
“After completing my treatment for alcohol addiction, I wish to invite my constituents to an open house where I will be available to address their concerns as I resume my duties as their Member of Parliament,” Tootoo said in a statement.
Tootoo will hold a press conference ahead of the open house.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wouldn’t say whether Tootoo will rejoin the Liberal caucus. Tootoo’s office didn’t immediately return a call requesting comment.
It wasn't immediately clear what sparked Tootoo's resignation from the Liberal caucus.
Other MPs have publicly sought treatment for addiction problems. Tootoo’s Liberal colleague Seamus O’Regan, a former CTV host, took time off last December for treatment and returned to work in January. New Democrat MP Romeo Saganash sought treatment for alcohol abuse in 2012.
Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc assumed Tootoo's portfolio in addition to his other duties.
