Ritu Khullar Obituary, Death – Alberta Chief Justice Remembered for Distinguished Legal Career and Public Service
The Alberta legal community is mourning the death of Ritu Khullar, the chief justice of Alberta and chief justice of the courts of appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Khullar died on Thursday while surrounded by members of her family after battling an illness, according to a statement from the Court of Appeal of Alberta. Her death has prompted tributes from provincial and federal leaders, fellow members of the judiciary and others who recognized her significant contribution to Canada’s justice system.
Ritu Khullar’s Distinguished Legal Career
Before entering the judiciary, Khullar spent more than two decades in private legal practice. Her work focused extensively on public law, including labour and employment, privacy, administrative, human rights and constitutional law.
Her career reflected a longstanding commitment to legal service and public affairs. Through her work, she developed extensive experience in areas of law affecting individuals, organizations and public institutions.
In 2017, Khullar was appointed to Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench, marking an important step in a judicial career that would eventually take her to the highest levels of the province’s courts.
Appointment as Chief Justice
Khullar reached another major milestone in 2022 when she was appointed chief justice of Alberta. At the same time, she became chief justice of the courts of appeal serving Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Her years in those positions placed her at the centre of important legal and constitutional matters while giving her a significant role in the administration of justice across the jurisdictions she served.
The Court of Appeal of Alberta described Khullar as a respected jurist whose intelligence, thoughtfulness and compassion were evident throughout her work.
Leaders Pay Tribute to Ritu Khullar
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed condolences following Khullar’s death, remembering her for her integrity and commitment to the administration of justice.
Smith said Khullar’s public service and contributions had made a lasting impact on Alberta and Canada’s justice systems.
Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery also offered condolences to Khullar’s husband and sons, describing her contributions to Alberta’s legal landscape as a legacy that would continue for generations.
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser similarly recognized Khullar’s national impact. He said her work would continue to inspire efforts toward a justice system built around fairness and humanity.
A Compassionate Approach to Justice
Beyond her legal knowledge and judicial responsibilities, Khullar was remembered for understanding how court decisions affected the people appearing before her.
The Court of Appeal of Alberta emphasized that she never lost sight of the human consequences of her decisions. Her approach reflected the belief that applying the law also requires understanding the lives and circumstances of the people involved.
That combination of legal expertise and compassion became an important part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Ritu Khullar’s Family and Legacy
Khullar died surrounded by family, and condolences have been extended to her husband and sons during this difficult period.
Her death represents a significant loss for Alberta’s judiciary and the broader Canadian legal community. From her years in private practice to her service on the Court of King’s Bench and ultimately as chief justice, she built a career defined by public service and dedication to justice.
Ritu Khullar will be remembered not only for the senior judicial positions she held, but also for the thoughtfulness, compassion and integrity that colleagues and public officials associated with her work.
May her family, friends, colleagues and all those who mourn her passing find comfort in her remarkable legacy and decades of service to the people of Alberta and Canada.