By AMBER GOSSELIN
Embattled former Alberta Legal professional Basic Kaycee Madu now says he “regrets” calling Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee shortly after he was handed a $300 ticket for distracted driving in a playground zone.
“In hindsight, I can now see how that could be perceived,” Madu stated in a prolonged Twitter assertion.
Premier Jason Kenney eliminated Madu from Cupboard shortly after the CBC revealed the story on Monday afternoon.
Madu was fined $300 on March 10, 2021 after an Edmonton police officer caught him speaking on his cellphone whereas driving by means of a playground.
“I wish to be very clear that at no time did I request the cancellation of the ticket. I can guarantee you that I might by no means do something like that in my life,” Madu stated within the assertion, which was additionally posted on his Fb web page.
In his social media posts, Madu indicated that he had contacted McFee to rule out potential racial profiling and police surveillance, citing Lethbridge Metropolis Police’s unlawful surveillance of NDP Shannon Phillips in 2017.
Madu is a black immigrant from Nigeria.
Madu admitted the visuals of the decision weren’t nice: “…in hindsight I can now see how that may be perceived. There’s a saying that notion is all the pieces in politics and I remorse even elevating the problem with Chief McFee.”
“In my function as Legal professional Basic and Legal professional Basic, I’ve labored diligently to make sure that we construct a province the place we are able to all really feel revered and welcome, no matter our start circumstances, financial, spiritual, social or cultural background . That’s the definition of my very own life and I’ll proceed whereas I’ve the chance and privilege.
Kenney stated he’ll appoint an unbiased investigator to find out if there was “interference within the administration of justice” on this case.
“I’m somebody who all the time holds himself accountable for his actions. I respect the Prime Minister’s order to place me on non permanent depart pending the end result of the unbiased investigation,” Madu stated.
The prime minister had excessive hopes for Madu when he changed Doug Schweitzer as justice minister in 2020.
“Along with his authorized coaching and political expertise, he’ll carry great experience within the implementation of key democratic reforms, together with civic motion and recall laws, a overview of the Alberta Police Act and the implementation of the government-approved Honest Offers Panel suggestions,” Kenney stated in August 25 authorities press launch
The Prime Minister appointed Power Secretary Sonya Savage as interim Minister for Justice and Legal professional Basic.
Amber Gosselin is a Western Commonplace reporter.
