MP and former Liberal fisheries minister Hunter Tootoo, at a glance

OTTAWA — Some facts about Hunter Tootoo, who returned to work Wednesday as an Independent MP for Nunavut after seeking treatment for alcohol addiction:

Born: August 18, 1963

Age: 52

Political career:  Tootoo was first elected as Nunavut’s legislative member for the riding of Iqaluit Centre in 1999. He served for 14 years and was Speaker of the Legislative Assembly until 2013.

In October 2015, Tootoo ousted former Conservative minister Leona Aglukkaq in the federal riding of Nunavut. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Tootoo the fisheries minister. Tootoo resigned from cabinet and the Liberal caucus at the end of May.

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Family: Tootoo has four children — Eden, Taya, Cedric and Oceane

Personal: Tootoo is related to NHL player Jordin Tootoo, who signed with the Chicago Blackhawks this month.

Quote:  “For me, this has been a very difficult journey. There are some deeply personal and private issues that have haunted me … the decision to step away was my own.”

The Canadian Press

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version gave an incorrect team for NHL player Jordin Tootoo.