A Member of the Legislative Assembly (Edmonton-South West), Kelechi Kaycee Madu, has been appointed as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General in Alberta, Canada.
Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday elevated Madu to the justice portfolio from Municipal Affairs in a cabinet shuffle that saw Calgary-Elbow MLA Doug Schweitzer moved from justice to an economic portfolio.
Kenney said the appointment of Madu made a powerful statement at a time when Albertans have grown more sensitive to racial prejudice.
“[Madu] is a man who has experienced racial prejudice firsthand and can bring that sensitivity to this important role. I’m excited to have him in that position,” Kenney said.
The premier described Madu as the first Black Canadian to occupy either provincial or federal justice positions of the justice minister, attorney general or solicitor general.
Reacting to his new appointment, Madu expressed gratitude to everyone and promised to uphold fairness and justice.
“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,” he said.
Madu was born and raised in Imo State, South-eastern Nigeria. He graduated from the University of Lagos with a law degree in 2001. He and his wife moved to Canada in 2005. They are blessed with three children.
Madu, who has practised law in both Nigeria and Alberta, was first elected as an MLA in the April 2019 general election.