Nigerian-born Canadian, Kelechi Madu, also known as Kaycee Madu, was appointed to the Executive Council of Alberta as the Justice Minister and Solicitor General of Alberta, a province in Canada.
A member of the United Conservative Party, Madu is the first Nigerian-born cabinet member in Alberta. Madu has taken the mantle in his responsibility against racial prejudice in Alberta.
The occupant of that position, Calgary-Elbow MLA Doug Schweitzer, has now been moved to the economic portfolio. A move that the Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney, deems important because it will bring the “needed perspective” and change in the justice system.
Madu’s legal training and policy expertise will be needed in his new position to implement key democratic changes “including citizen’s initiative and recall legislation, a review of Alberta’s Police Act and the execution of the fair deal panel recommendations endorsed by the government.”
His work in government spans through employment standards investigations, strategic and operational public policy, regulatory and legislative reforms, governmental issues management and stakeholder consultation.
A statement released by Madu spoke about the way forward with the ministry amid these strenuous social and economic times. He said his fundamental beliefs in emitting justice equally has been the backbone of his legal work and that will always remain.
“I spent my entire professional career fighting for those who lacked means, including at Legal Aid Alberta, Labour, Immigration, and Human Rights Tribunals, and in the courts. My views on the application of justice and equality will always be integral to who I am as a father, husband, citizen, lawyer, and politician.
“I am determined to make sure our justice system represents all Albertans in a way that is fair and accountable. In particular, I believe Modernizing the Police Act will be a necessary step towards ensuring equality for marginalized people before the law, and I look forward to that important work ahead,” he added.
Madu expressed his love for his country and also gave out advice saying, “I always said my story could only have been possible in my province of Alberta… I love my home country, Nigeria, but there is no question that I look forward to a day when my fellow countrymen and women in that country can achieve their God-given potential, regardless of the part of the country they come from and regardless of who their parents are.”
President Buhari described the honour as landmark and historic, adding that it once again pedestals people of Nigerian descent as go-getters, who distinguish themselves in different walks of life.
The President noted that as the first Black Justice Minister and Solicitor-General in Canada, Madu has written himself into history books, and urges Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to remain good ambassadors of their country.
On his part, Madu made history as the first African born provincial Minister in Canadian history and is also the Provincial Secretary and Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Alberta.
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