MP Hunter Tootoo answers a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 5, 2016.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Former federal fisheries minister Hunter Tootoo has admitted to a "consensual but inappropriate relationship" as the reason he resigned from cabinet and the Liberal caucus, and entered rehab for alcohol addiction.
After refusing to address allegations first published by The Globe and Mail last week that he had an inappropriate relationship with a junior female staff member, Mr. Tootoo told CBC Nunavut on Wednesday that he owed his constituents in Nunavut further explanation.
"On May 31, I voluntarily informed the Prime Minister that I made a mistake and regrettably engaged in a consensual but inappropriate relationship and that is why I resigned my cabinet post and my position in caucus. I then checked myself into rehab for my addiction," Mr. Tootoo said in a brief video statement.
"I let my judgment be clouded, and I have also let alcohol take over my life. I am ashamed and I apologize to all involved, especially the people of Nunavut. I am deeply sorry."
Mr. Tootoo said the woman involved has asked him to protect her privacy, and he is respecting her wishes.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office also addressed the allegations for the first time on Wednesday, saying Mr. Tootoo "acknowledged to the Prime Minister that he had been engaging in what was an inappropriate relationship in the workplace."
"In the same conversation, Mr. Tootoo informed the Prime Minister that he took full and sole responsibility for his inappropriate workplace conduct," PMO spokesman Olivier Duchesneau said in an e-mail.
Mr. Duchesneau added that in order to respect the privacy of all those involved, the PMO will not be commenting further. Mr. Tootoo is still the MP for Nunavut but will sit as an independent when Parliament resumes sitting in the fall.
At a news conference held in his Iqaluit constituency office last week, Mr. Tootoo said he was working through "deeply personal and private issues" after spending two months in rehabilitation for alcohol addiction.
But he refused to answer questions from The Globe about his relationship with a junior female staff member, repeatedly referring to "all kinds of rumours out there" about why he resigned.
Mr. Tootoo's silence led to criticism from those in his community, including Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern, who told The Canadian Press that Nunavut constituents deserve to know more about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Laura Stone