Alberta reinstates Kaycee Madu after being cleared of wrongdoing by investigative team

Kaycee Madu, Nigerian born Justice Minister in Canada has been reinstated as a Minister in Alberta Province after he was suspended on 17 January as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General following a minor traffic issue that ensued on the 10 of March 2021.

He has been reinstated and subsequently made to be in charge of Labour and Immigration. This was confirmed in a statement by the Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney.

Meanwhile, Kaycee was cleared of any misconduct after the investigative team concluded it’s investigation.

Jason Kenney had last month asked Madu to “step back” pending investigation of his telephone call to Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee over a traffic offence ticket.

Madu, 47, was pulled over on 10 March 2021 for being on the phone while driving and fined $300 for flouting traffic and safety regulations. He then called McFee and discussed the ticket with him.

The report of the investigation was received on 15 February by the clerk of the Executive Council.

Madu was cleared of misconduct on 25 February and transferred to the Ministry of Labour and Immigration.

Kenney said Madu will now lead “important reforms to the Alberta advantage immigration programme.”

“The report concludes that Minister Madu did not interfere in the administration of justice but that the phone call could create a reasonable perception of interference,” Kenney said in a statement.

“It is clear from the report that his motivation in making the call was not to reverse the ticket but to raise broader concerns, particularly related to racial profiling.

“Nevertheless, as Ms. Kent [the investigator] concludes, ‘being angry, wanting assurances that he was not racially profiled are all understandable reactions, given the context of the phone call.

“It does not absolve the Minister from responsibility, but it is an explanation that deserves recognition.’

“Given her findings, and the unique role of the office of the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, I have concluded that it would be appropriate for Minister Madu to step aside from that position.

“I also look forward to Minister Madu’s continued contribution to important work of government as Minister of Labour and Immigration, where he will lead important reforms to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Programme and continued implementation of the Fairness for Newcomers Action Plan to help break down barriers to the economic success of immigrants.

“He will help to deliver on the Alberta Work Initiative, a key part of Budget 2022’s plan to connect unemployed Albertans with available jobs through expanded training programmes.”