Background
Kaycee Madu is the Minister of Justice in Canada, the first black Minister of Justice in Canada.
In this report EXCEL MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL takes a look at his rise to the top, exploits and how his story should inspire many Africans especially on the fact that race or color should not hinder growth to the international space.
Kaycee Madu is from Imo state, Southern Nigeria, and studied at the University of Lagos in Nigeria.
He graduated with the Bachelor of Laws Honours in 2001 and was called to the Bar in Nigeria. Having a humble background, he aspired for greatness and learnt the importance of hard work, honesty and integrity.
To support his wife Emem Madu in her post graduate studies, he migrated to Edmonton in 2005 for the wife to study at the University of Alberta. He worked for the government of Alberta in a number of different roles. Alberta is a province of Canada with an estimated population of 4,067,175 as of 2016 census.
Few years, in Canada, he established a law firm in Alberta. The major aim for setting up the law firm was to give high quality client focused legal services. In 2009, Kaycee Madu received the Premier’s award of Excellence Award.
Growth in Career Journey.
Kaycee Madu started serving in different positions in the Public Service. One of his greatest appointments was serving as the technical advisor to the government of Alberta in areas of legislative and regulatory reviews.
In April 16th 2019, Kaycee Madu was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta to represent the electoral district of Edmonton- South West. Subsequently, he was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Madu introduced Local Authorities Election Amandement Act, 2020(Bill 2020) to the Alberta Legislature in June 2020. This act removed the requirement for candidates to show off their donors prior to Election Day.
Appointment as Justice Minister
Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney, elevated Madu to the Position of the Minister of Justice on 25th, August 2020. Mr. Kenney while speaking said that Kaycee Madu is a man who has experienced racial prejudice and can bring that sensitivity to this important role.
He reiterated that Madu will be pushing some of Kenney government’s most high profile legal issues against Ottawa, especially the carbon tax and constitutional jurisdiction disputes related to Bill C-69. “I am excited to have him in that position”, he said.
Mr. Madu made history by being the first black Canadian to be appointed Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. Mr. Madu maintained that what has helped him to achieve this is his work ethic and being in a place founded on a merit based system. He further said that one of his basic focuses is ensuring that the public and rule of law is upheld.
“if you take a look at the trajectory of my life and things that I have done in the face of all of those so-called difficulties and obstacles, you can tell if your head is in the right place, if you are a responsible citizen and respect our institutions and work hard, you will achieve your God-given potential,” Madu said.
The New Minister of Justice stated that everyone should be protected no matter where one is living in the country. He is an individual who believes that money cannot proffer solution to all problems. Great institutions with integrity should be set up to be effective and uphold what is right.
The Solicitor General has the task of looking at the police Act especially in areas of racism and abuse of authority. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the destruction of the statue of Sir. John A. Macdonald in Montreal and said the destruction has “no Identifiable good to the cause of Justice or equality”.
The Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in its congratulatory message posted on twitter stated, “Kaycee Madu is a Canadian politician who was elected in the 2019 Alberta general election to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta representing the electoral district of Edmonton-South West. Madu’s appointment was celebrated by Some Canada’s Alberta Black Community as to attract important perspective to the nation’s judicial system.
The appointment of Kaycee Madu is a reflection of hard work and commitment in one’s daily engagements. The transparency he has always held on to have helped him achieve this great step. It shows that everyone no matter race or skin colour can actually serve in higher capacity and bring prudence to the office.
In his reaction on the congratulatory messages coming from Nigeria, Mr. Madu appreciated Nigerians for their support and prayer. He encouraged everyone to be focused and optimistic. He pointed out that he looks forward to the day when Nigeria and Africa become places where hard work and merit are rewarded.
