N.W.T. MLA seeking treatment after impaired driving charge

The MLA for the Mackenzie Delta in the N.W.T. will be taking a leave of absence for a nine-week treatment program in Victoria, B.C., in the wake of an incident in Fort McPherson where he was charged with impaired driving.

MLA George Nerysoo announced on his Facebook page on April 9 that he would be seeking professional addictions help.

"Today I start my journey, my healing journey," he wrote.

Court records show Nerysoo was charged on March 16 with impaired driving.

In an email, the Legislative Assembly's public affairs team wrote that Nerysoo had notified the assembly he will be missing committee meetings and sitting days while in treatment.

Nerysoo wrote in his post that he has struggled to stay sober and needed to seek treatment for his own well-being.

"I can not walk down the same road giving false indications that everything is good with me. I am hurting inside and I have to find out why," he wrote.

"With my decision to attend a treatment facility, I will better represent you in my role as the MLA for the Mackenzie Delta region. I have found it very difficult to conduct my role while I have these problems within me, I have to find a solution, and I feel the solution is to start my healing journey."

CBC reached out to Nerysoo but did not hear back.