By Stanley Ugagbe
Barely a year after he made history by becoming the first African-born Provincial Minister in Canadian history, Kaycee Madu has again made another history following his appointment as the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General for the Government of Alberta.
Announcing the development, Premier Jason Kenney said the appointment of Madu makes a powerful statement at a time when Albertans have grown more sensitive to racial prejudice.
Kenney said “[Madu] is a man who has experienced racial prejudice firsthand and can bring that sensitivity to this important role”. He added that “I’m excited to have him in that position.”
In his words, the premier said Madu is the first Black Canadian to occupy either provincial or federal justice positions of the justice minister, attorney general or solicitor general.
The appointment has reverberated positively among Alberta’s Black Community and it is being celebrated by some as a way to bring needed perspective to the justice system.
The Association of Black Conservatives in a statement has congratulated the history maker. “We wish him success in his new role”.
Remarking on the iconic development, Dunia Nur, president of the Edmonton-based African Canadian Civic Engagement Council, said Madu has become a role model for the community.
The President said “Whether we agree with one party or another that doesn’t really matter, especially for the Black voice right now”.
“What matters is effective Black people that are educated, that have integrity, that also have education background, are the ones that are occupying the space.”
The council promotes and strengthens opportunities for members of the African, Caribbean and Black communities across Canada.
Nur said Madu is well suited to his new role, not only because of his background as a lawyer but also because he is an active member of the African community.
Nur, meanwhile, said a lot of high hopes have been placed on the new justice minister.
“The Black community celebrates him,” she said. “And also the Black community’s not afraid to hold him accountable when we feel that it’s time to do that.”
“Historically, these are positions that have been occupied by white men that have no understanding of the disproportional impact of the justice system and what Black communities experience,” she said.
“By him being the minister of justice, it shows that the government is listening.”
Members of the Edmonton-based Hoyo Collective are also excited by the minister’s new role.
Born and raised in southeastern Nigeria, Madu graduated from the University of Lagos with a law degree in 2001. He and his wife moved to Canada in 2005. They have three children.
Madu, who has practised law in both Nigeria and Alberta, was first elected as an MLA in the April 2019 general election.
Speaking on his appointment, Madu said “Thank you, everyone, for all the well wishes. I am beyond humbled to accept my new role as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General – where I will pursue fairness, equality, and justice for all with every ounce of strength I have”.
