'I do recall': Kenney claims he knew about Madu's ticket, but not the phone call
Alberta's premier allowed that he knew before it was made public that his justice minister got a $300 distracted driving ticket last March, but Jason Kenney said he only learned about the follow-up phone call on Monday.
Kaycee Madu was temporarily removed from his cabinet post on Tuesday, pending an investigation into a call he admitted that he made to Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee following the infraction.
"I do recall at some point last year hearing that Minister Madu had gotten a ticket, had paid for it. I got fully briefed on all of this, including about the call and the details on Monday afternoon following media inquiries," Kenney said at an afternoon pandemic briefing.
The premier has faced criticism from a number of directions for not firing Madu outright, including from inside his own caucus. Kenney defended that decision, and said a member of his staff reached out to McFee to get details of the call.
"If Chief McFee had alleged that he felt this was an interference in the administration of justice, in the independence of the police, or an effort to rescind the ticket, I would have made an immediate decision to remove Mr. Madu from cabinet," he said.
Kenney added that the process of an independent inquiry into the matter has already been started, after he consulted with former justice officials on how best to handle the case.
The premier didn't provide any timelines for when it would be completed, aside from saying that more would be provided "in the near future."
"We have drafted terms of reference, we have contacted respected former members of the judiciary to see if they would have the time to assist with this kind of investigation," Kenney explained.
Madu paid the ticket, but maintained he was not guilty of the infraction that he technically pleaded guilty to.
The Edmonton-South West MLA said he called McFee because he was worried he was being stalked by police or racially profiled.
'DID HE BREAK THE LAW?'
During a public police commission meeting Thursday, McFee was asked if he thought Madu did anything wrong by calling, but the chief wouldn't give a clear answer.
"I think that's the purpose of an inquiry. My views don't really matter here. I think those decisions are for someone independent to make and certainly we have no problem participating in that process," he said.
"There are two things that are going to be considered: Did he break the law? And did he do something that maybe he shouldn't have? I think we need someone independent to do that and Mr. Madu can answer to that stuff."
McFee told reporters that Madu also did not ask for the officer who wrote the ticket to be reprimanded.
"Absolutely not, and I said he didn't ask to have any tickets rescinded. In relation to Mr. Madu, in relation to answering for the reason for having the call, that's for Mr. Madu to answer," the chief told reporters.
"We have spoken to our member. Obviously, he wrote the ticket and the ticket was paid, so he did his job and he did it well."
McFee confirmed that he told the chair of the Edmonton Police Commission about Madu's call at the time, but he didn't tell anyone at the legislature.
"I'm not sure why I would contact the premier. I don't think it's appropriate for me to contact the premier," he said.
McFee was asked if he thought Madu felt comfortable making the call, because McFee once attended a UCP fundraising dinner in Lacombe.
"I went to that dinner with friends. I did not donate and I do not hold membership in any party," he said.
Madu still has not taken questions about the matter. CTV News Edmonton has made a request for him to comment.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.