Alberta’s Chief Justice Ritu Khullar Passes Away After Illness, Colleagues Recall Legacy
Ritu Khullar, chief justice of Alberta and the appellate courts for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, died Thursday surrounded by family after a prolonged illness.
Chief Justice Ritu Khullar, who oversaw Alberta’s Court of Appeal and the appellate courts of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, died on Thursday while surrounded by her family after battling an illness. Khullar began her legal career in private practice, specializing in labour, privacy, administrative, human-rights and constitutional law for more than twenty years before joining the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in 2017.
In 2022 she was elevated to chief justice of the three jurisdictions. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith highlighted her integrity and enduring legacy for the province’s justice system, while Justice Minister Mickey Amery expressed condolences to her husband and sons. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser noted that her work had nationwide impact and urged that her legacy inspire continued protection of democracy and fairness.
Why it matters
The death of Alberta's chief justice marks the loss of a key figure in Canada's legal system and prompts reflection on her influence on provincial and national justice.
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