Madu touts accomplishments from last 4 years after losing Edmonton-South West seat

Hours after being defeated in Edmonton-South West, Alberta’s former deputy premier touted some UCP accomplishments as he prepares to leave the legislature.

Incumbent Kaycee Madu lost to the NDP’s Nathan Ip by roughly 3,700 votes in Monday’s provincial election.

In a tweet Tuesday, Madu looked back on moments of his tenure he was proud of.

“My sincere thanks to the people of Edmonton-South West for allowing me the privilege to serve you in the past four years,” Madu tweeted. “In that time, we confronted difficult challenges and today, Alberta’s economy is the envy of the entire country.

“We expanded the Anthony Henday Drive, built two schools and three more funded in budget 2023 and secured $700,000 for the construction of a brand new community centre in Cameron Heights.

“Budget 2023 also has $634 million for the planning of the South Edmonton Hospital and the expansion of Terwillegar Drive is well advanced.”

My sincere thanks to the people of Edmonton-South West for allowing me the privilege to serve you in the past four years. In that time, we confronted difficult challenges and today, Alberta’s economy is the envy of the entire country.

We expanded the Anthony Henday Drive, built…

— Kaycee Madu, KC, ECA (@KayceeMaduYEG) May 30, 2023

Madu, the minister of skilled trades and professions and former justice minister, was one of a handful of high-profile UCP candidates to lose their seats to the NDP.

Jason Copping, who was health minister, was defeated in Calgary-Varsity; Nicholas Milliken, the minister for mental health and addiction, lost in Calgary-Currie; and Jason Luan, the culture minister, lost in Calgary-Foothills.

Justice Minister Tyler Shandro was defeated in Calgary-Acadia by seven votes; there will be a recount in that constituency.

Despite those losses, Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party managed to be re-elected to a second consecutive majority government.

“I am very pleased to see that our party @Alberta_UCP formed a majority government and will continue the hard work to make Alberta’s economy stronger, ensure healthcare is there for Albertans when and where they need it, take care of the most vulnerable and ensure Alberta’s children and young people are grounded and ready for the challenges of tomorrow,” Madu’s tweet continued.

“To our amazing volunteers and team – you gave it your all. You were the best. I am super proud of you and will forever be grateful. Thank you.”

Madu was moved out of the Justice portfolio under former UCP Premier Jason Kenney after a third-party report determined Madu tried to interfere in the administration of justice by calling Edmonton’s police chief about a traffic ticket.

Madu became one of two deputy premiers when Smith won the party leadership and became premier in October.

—With files from The Canadian Press