The African-Canadian UCP cabinet minister who says the ‘left’ forced him to cancel a speech to a BLM rally in Edmonton is continuing his battle with the NDP – even doubling down in the legislature.
“I had agreed to speak at the event, but was told by organizers that I could not. I respected their wishes and visited friends at Africa Centre instead,” Madu, the UCP’s Municipal Affairs Minister tweeted Friday.
“This is simply what happened. It’s the lefts stock in trade to race issues.”
“Labelling people as “leftists” (read: the “enemy”) is the opposite of equality, justice & human dignity. @KayceeMaduYEG should reflect more on WHY he was not welcome to speak. This is about the movement, not about him. Put away the ego & division, Minister. And listen,” Pancholi tweeted.
A less-than-pleased Madu tweeted back: “I have always spoken honestly about my lived experience with racism. I was looking forward to standing in solidarity with the organizers and community. Your team and others worked quickly to prevent that. Your tweets are disgusting and shameful. You only know division.”
In the legislature Monday, Madu doubled down on his statement.
He said it was the “NDP and their allies” who blocked him from speaking. He accused the NDP of wanting nothing but “division.”
That was enough for Edmonton – City Centre MLA David Shepherd to speak out against Madu.
“I was incredibly disappointed yesterday when, in response to a reasonable question about the AB Anti-Racism Advisory Council, Min @KayceeMaduYEG chose to stand in #ableg and repeat falsehoods about myself, my colleagues & the organizers of Friday’s Fight for Equity Rally,” Shepherd tweeted Tuesday.
“I hadn’t intended to make any further comment on Min. Madu’s previous statements on social media, but once he brought them to the floor of #ableg, I felt the need to respond. I bear him no ill will, but it’s important to make the truth clear. #ableg,” said Shepherd before launching a two-minute speech.
Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard
Dave Naylor is News Editor & Calgary Bureau Chief of the Western Standard based in the Calgary Headquarters. He served as City Editor of the Calgary Sun & covered Alberta news for nearly 40 years.
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