Minister Kaycee Madu and Premier Jason Kenney - photo credit to The Canadian Press

By Dori Modney

Premier Kenney responds to Kent report on Justice Minister

Feb 25, 2022 | 4:34 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — From the standpoint of Alberta’s premier, his decision regarding Justice Minister Kaycee Madu, came down to the optics and overall appearance of the situation.

Provincial Justice Minister Kaycee Madu has been moved to another cabinet post following a third-party report into his phone call to Edmonton’s police chief over a traffic ticket.

Madu takes over as minister of labour from Tyler Shandro, who becomes the new justice minister.

Information contained in the Kent Report, which has been released by the government, found that Madu attempted to interfere with the administration of justice, but was unsuccessful.

The Kent report is the conclusion of an investigation into a phone call made by Kaycee Madu on March 10, 2021, to Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee, after the minister received a traffic ticket for distracted driving.

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In a news release, Premier Kenney found it best that Madu be moved to a different portfolio.

“On Feb. 15, the clerk of executive council received the report from former Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Adèle Kent with respect to a phone call made by Minister Kaycee Madu to Chief Dale McPhee of the Edmonton Police Service.

“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.

“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 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 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 have asked Minister Tyler Shandro to serve as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. He is an experienced lawyer who has served on the National Parole Board, the Municipal Government Board, the Criminal Injuries Review Board, the University of Calgary Senate, the Calgary Parking Authority and the Calgary Police Commission.

The full report by Justice Adèle Kent.