O’Regan was also welcomed back into the Liberal caucus upon his return, whereas Tootoo’s “status with regard to the Liberal caucus remains unchanged,” according to a recent statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. Tootoo will now resume serving his constituents in Nunavut, but he will act as an independent MP instead of as a Liberal. The Liberal Party itself might likewise be content to move on from here, but it cannot absolve itself of responsibility merely by severing ties with Tootoo. Back in May, Tootoo abruptly announced that he was leaving both his cabinet post as Fisheries Minister and the Liberal caucus in order to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. I knew that I needed to devote all of my energy and attention into getting healthy,” he said, addressing speculation that he had been kicked out of the Liberal caucus.

Source: National Post July 29, 2016 14:48 UTC