Leona Aglukkaq considers legal action against Rankin Inlet deputy mayor

Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq says she is considering all legal options after the deputy mayor of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, said she demanded an apology fromhimfor making disparaging remarks about the federal Nutrition North program.

News reports this week quoted Rankin Inlet Deputy Mayor SamTutanuakas saying high grocery prices have forced dozens of the community's residents to scavenge for food at the local landfill.

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In a later interview withAPTNNews,TutanuaksaidAglukkaq'soffice called the community's senior administrative officer asking for a written apology for the remarks.

In a written statement Friday, Aglukkaq, who is also the MP for Nunavut, said she is considering taking legal action againstTutanuak.

"The deputy mayors claims about this conversation are completely false. I am currently reviewing all of my legal options,"Aglukkaqsaid on Friday.

"I was troubled when I heard recent reports about families in Rankin Inlet struggling to find food, so I followed up with my constituents to address these concerns.

"I also contacted the senior administrative officer in Rankin Inlet to learn more about these concerning reports. At no time, did I speak with the deputy mayor during this phone-call conversation. And at no time, did I or my office request an apology from anyone at the hamlet,"Aglukkaqsaid in a written statement on Friday.

The opposition parties pressed the government for answers again on Friday, butAglukkaqwas in Calgary for an infrastructure announcement.

Aglukkaq'sparliamentary secretary Colin Carrie told the House of Commons the minister never requested such an apology. He saidthe minister was simply seeking information so she could better serve her constituents.

Tutanuak could not immediately be reached for comment.