Accessing federal help a challenge without MP Hunter Tootoo, says Iqaluit mayor

Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo's Iqaluit constituency office will be up and running in the next couple of weeks, but one local politician says what constituents need is access to their MP.

Tootoo resigned from his cabinet position and stepped down from the Liberal caucus May 31 to seek treatment for addictions issues. It's not clear when he will return to work.

"We really, really need access to our MP," said Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern.

She said constituents need Tootoo to help with things such as expediting passports, and the city needs his help to assist with access to federal funding.

"There are many other projects the city has that it desperately needs federal funding for and having our MP be part of caucus, and in that case when he was a minister, being able to champion our projects and secure that funding for us, is a tremendous benefit. It's going to be much, much harder if he remains as an independent."

'He will come back stronger'

Tootoo's office said in a statement that they are "in the process of finalizing staffing and we expect to have the local MP's office fully functional in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, constituents should contact the Ottawa office at 613-992-2848.

"Mr. Tootoo continues to request privacy at this time.

"As the MP, Mr. Tootoo continues to be a strong advocate for his constituents. He maintains connections in Ottawa, and I'm confident he will come back stronger after treatment. The office is committed to seeing constituency issues managed no differently than before."

Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna reaffirmed his support for Tootoo in an email to CBC.

"​As mentioned during this past legislative sitting, we are supportive of Mr. Tootoo and his journey to recovery," he wrote. "We look forward to having the MP return to Parliament."

Redfern said she also wishes the best for Tootoo and said she hopes that when he returns to Parliament it will be as part of the Liberal caucus.