Introduction

We, the undersigned, stand united in calling for fairness and justice in the case of Mr. Kaycee Madu, Alberta’s first Black provincial Justice Minister. His current experience with the Law Society of Alberta highlights systemic bias in Alberta’s legal institutions, raising serious concerns about equality, impartiality, and cultural competence.

Background
 

In January 2022, Minister Kaycee Madu was involved in a traffic stop that he later described as rooted in racial profiling—an issue he sought to address as a public servant and representative of Alberta’s racialized communities. However, his concerns were dismissed by an all-White disciplinary panel from the Law Society of Alberta (LSA). The panel failed to adequately consider systemic racism and employed racially charged stereotypes to negatively portray Mr. Madu, contrasting starkly with the more empathetic treatment often extended in similar cases involving White individuals.

Why This Matters
 

This case is a stark reminder of the systemic inequities that persist within Alberta’s legal system. The lack of diversity and cultural competence in LSA panels undermines public trust, perpetuates discrimination, and further alienates racialized communities.

Justice must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair.  Allowing such inequities to persist weakens the integrity of Alberta’s justice system and contradicts the province’s commitment to equality and fairness.

By addressing the shortcomings in Mr. Madu’s case, we have an opportunity to confront systemic racism and take meaningful steps toward a truly equitable legal system.

Our Demands

We call on the Law Society of Alberta to:

1.      Conduct an Independent Review: Reassess the case of Mr. Kaycee Madu with a new panel that reflects diversity and includes members with demonstrated competence in addressing systemic racism.

2.     Appoint a Diverse Panel: Ensure that the new panel includes representatives from racialized communities to provide a balanced and culturally informed perspective.

3.     Mandate Cultural Competency Training: Require all LSA disciplinary panels to undergo training on systemic racism, racial profiling, to learn about the lived experiences of racialized individuals.

4.     Commit to Equity and Inclusion: Reform the appointment process for adjudicating panels to prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring fairness in all future cases.

5.     Public Acknowledgement: Acknowledge and address the presence of systemic racism within Alberta’s legal institutions and commit to meaningful reforms.

Conclusion

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to justice, fairness, and equality for all. Kaycee Madu’s case is a critical opportunity to address systemic racism and demand accountability from Alberta’s legal institutions.

As Lord Chief Justice Hewart once said, “Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” Similarly, Marcus Tullius Cicero reminds us that justice is not just about outcomes but also appearances—if justice itself does not seem just, public confidence is eroded.

Let us stand together for fairness, justice, and equality.

Together, we can demand accountability and bring about meaningful change.