The Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories has died. Alberta Courts announced Ritu Khullar passed away on Thursday. Alberta Courts said Khullar “was deeply dedicated to public service and improving the administration of justice in Alberta and in the North.” “She encouraged judges, courts, court staff and the profession to earn and maintain public trust and confidence in the justice system,” Alberta Courts said. “She led by example, undertaking every aspect of her work in a principled and diligent manner.” Khullar had been on medical leave, the Court of Appeal of Alberta previously announced. The Edmonton Journal reported she was battling cancer. Dawn Pentelechuk served as acting chief justice in Khullar’s absence and remains in the role. Alberta Courts said Khullar “spent more than two decades in private practice.” Alberta Courts said she “became one of Alberta’s preeminent lawyers in public law issues.” In 2017, Khullar was appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. In 2018, she was appointed to the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. “She never lost sight of the impact her decisions had on the lives of the parties before her,” Alberta Courts said. “She understood that justice is the application of law to life.” In 2022, she was appointed Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. “We mourn the loss of our dedicated leader, colleague and friend,” Alberta Courts said. “She will be dearly missed.” Khullar was 62 years old. Alberta officials offer condolences Premier Danielle Smith said it was with great sadness that she learned of Khullar’s death. “On behalf of Alberta’s government and all Albertans, I extend my sincere condolences to Chief Justice Khullar’s family, loved ones, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her,” Smith said. “Alberta has lost a remarkable public servant. We honour her life, her service and the lasting contributions she made to our province.” Justice Minister Mickey Amery called Khullar’s death “a profound loss for our province, justice system and the legal community.” “My deepest condolences go to her husband and her sons, as well as to her extended family, friends and colleagues across the legal profession,” Amery said. “Our province has lost a great Albertan whose contributions to our province will not be forgotten. “We are grateful for her service and for the example she set through a lifetime of dedication to others.”
