An independent review says former Justice Minister Kaycee Madu is innocent over a traffic ticket dust up with the city, as the Alberta premier announced a prompt cabinet shuffle..Former Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Adèle Kent was appointed to investigate Madu’s phone call to Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee after he was handed a $300 distracted driving ticket while talking on a cellphone in a school zone..Kent was to report back to Executive Council by Feb. 15. The internal report rolled in Friday..“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,” said Premier Jason Kenney..The announcement coincided with a cabinet shuffle: Tyler Shandro is now minister of Justice and Solicitor General, and Madu is now minister of Labour and Immigration (Shandro’s former portfolio)..Kent’s report seemingly forced the shuffle..“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,” said Kenney..“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 (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 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..“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 Program 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 programs..The premier also thanked Madu for “addressing racism in Alberta’s justice and for ending police carding in Alberta.”.Energy Minister Sonya Savage, who acted as interim justice minister during Kent’s review, will continue on as energy minister..Shandro has an upcoming hearing with the Law Society of Alberta over allegations he inappropriately used his health minister role to obtain cell phone numbers and inappropriately responded to an individual who e-mailed his wife..Amber Gosselin is a Western Standard reporter..agosselin@westernstandardonline.com.This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
An independent review says former Justice Minister Kaycee Madu is innocent over a traffic ticket dust up with the city, as the Alberta premier announced a prompt cabinet shuffle..Former Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Adèle Kent was appointed to investigate Madu’s phone call to Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee after he was handed a $300 distracted driving ticket while talking on a cellphone in a school zone..Kent was to report back to Executive Council by Feb. 15. The internal report rolled in Friday..“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,” said Premier Jason Kenney..The announcement coincided with a cabinet shuffle: Tyler Shandro is now minister of Justice and Solicitor General, and Madu is now minister of Labour and Immigration (Shandro’s former portfolio)..Kent’s report seemingly forced the shuffle..“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,” said Kenney..“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 (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 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..“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 Program 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 programs..The premier also thanked Madu for “addressing racism in Alberta’s justice and for ending police carding in Alberta.”.Energy Minister Sonya Savage, who acted as interim justice minister during Kent’s review, will continue on as energy minister..Shandro has an upcoming hearing with the Law Society of Alberta over allegations he inappropriately used his health minister role to obtain cell phone numbers and inappropriately responded to an individual who e-mailed his wife..Amber Gosselin is a Western Standard reporter..agosselin@westernstandardonline.com.This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
