We’ve been following this story and still have more questions than answers even though Premier Kenney has uncharacteristically taken action within hours after the news broke.
 
The story is that Alberta Justice Minister and Solicitor General, Kaycee Madu, called the Edmonton Police Chief after he got a ticket for distracted driving in a school zone – true story, no question from all parties.
 
Minister Madu, a practicing layer who should know better claimed to have let the emotions of being racially profiled get the better of him and was rightfully criticized by the media, NDP, and his own boss, Premier Kenney, for calling the Police Chief after he got the ticket. The Police Chief confirmed that Minister Madu called him.
The Police Chief also said something important, that everyone seems to ignore.
He said the minister also was worried of being racially profiled which the Police Chief assured Minister Madu that it was not the case and Minister Madu paid the ticket within weeks.
 
This leaves us more questions than answers in this story:
Minister Madu could have been playing the race card in this case but the question is, why does nobody have the slightest regards for Minister Madu feeling racially profiled, which is a possibility as happened with MLA Shannon Phillips with the Lethbridge Police?
 
After the Police Chief assured Minister Madu that he was not racially profiled, he paid the ticket within weeks, why does that not count in this story?
Why does the second part of the Police Chief’s statement not count, that Minister Madu never mentioned that he should cancel the ticket?
Premier Kenney who’s very slow to make decisions with others, even with those clearly breaking rules, and abusing their position and power all the way, yelling at doctors in their houses, but in this case, he suspends a loyal MLA within hours of the news getting out. Why so fast for a loyal follower who dares to say anything to anyone who wants to listen to defend his boss?
 
Minister Madu has led two ministries with no scandal and ready to fight for his boss like any loyal follower, even if it is at odds with the majority.
However, Premier Kenney tweeted that he conveyed “profound disappointment” in Madu and asked that he “step back” from his duties as Justice Minister pending an independent investigation.
 
“Kaycee Madu must resign. He cannot be on leave of absence or a paid vacation. He cannot sit in Cabinet without a portfolio. Stepping back is not the same as stepping down,” NDP Justice Critic Irfan Sabir.
 
In a province with way bigger fishes to fry such as unemployment and chronic underemployment especially in COVID times for our multicultural communities, experiences and credentials of newcomers not recognized, high cost of childcare which warrants urgent action, and many others, we will be seeking answers for you as more information comes to light in the investigation.