In Nunavut MP’s absence, staff still work to serve riding

Hunter Tootoo’s Iqaluit riding office sits furnished but empty in this photo taken the day after his resignation. The Nunavut MP’s Ottawa staff say they haven’t been able to find anyone to staff the Iqaluit office just yet, but hope to have it open soon. (PHOTO BY LISA GREGOIRE)

Constituents in the country’s northernmost federal riding may not have a sitting member of Parliament these days, but it’s business as usual in Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo’s parliamentary office, its Ottawa-based staff say.

It’s been just over two weeks since Tootoo announced his sudden resignation from cabinet and from the Liberal caucus May 31 to seek treatment for addiction.

That’s left many Nunavummiut wondering who is serving their interests in Ottawa in the meantime.

Annie Aningmiuq, an assistant in Tootoo’s parliamentary office, says Nunavummiut should contact the office for any questions or concerns they would normally direct at their MP.

“We’ve been taking requests from our Ottawa office,” she said. “They can call our office any time.”

Constituents living in Tootoo’s Iqaluit office might have noticed their MP’s riding office at 922 Niagunngusiaq Road, although it’s yet to open.

Aningmiuq said the office is ready to move into, but Tootoo’s office has yet to find staff.

“Soon, we’re hoping,” Aningmiuq said. “Once we have someone staffing it, we’ll make sure to let people know it’s open.”

The federal government has said little about Tootoo’s treatment plans, although the Ottawa-based publication The Hill Times recently reported that Tootoo is enrolled in a 45-day in-patient program at a treatment centre north of Toronto.

If that’s the case, Nunavummiut may not hear from their MP until the House is scheduled to sit again Sept. 19. The House of Commons breaks for the summer starting June 17.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not indicated whether Tootoo would be welcomed back into the Liberal caucus after his return from treatment.

There has been much public support for Tootoo’s decision to seek help, including from Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna, who offered the support for Tootoo’s recovery on behalf of the territorial legislature earlier this month.

On behalf of Hunter Tootoo, thank you to all those who have expressed support and good wishes. This is Hunter's… https://t.co/DgPR2HfWTD

— Hunter Tootoo (@HunterTootoo) June 13, 2016

But Nunavummiut also wonder what their MP’s absence and status as an independent MP will mean for their voice in Ottawa.

“If Hunter really needs to get well, he should step down and commit himself to that goal while leaving the politics to someone else,” wrote an anonymous commenter on nunatsiaqonline.ca.

Nunavummiut can reach Tootoo’s parliamentary office at 1-613-992-2848.