'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
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.