The recent passing of Ritu Khullar, the former chief justice of Alberta and the courts of appeal of Alberta, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories, is being honored for her dedicated service. A statement released by the Court of Appeal of Alberta announced that Khullar passed away on Thursday after a period of illness, surrounded by her family.
Khullar had a career spanning over twenty years in private legal practice, focusing on various public law matters such as labor and employment, privacy, administrative, human rights, and constitutional law. She was appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in 2017, later assuming the roles of chief justice of Alberta and the courts of appeal of Alberta, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories in 2022.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith praised Khullar’s commitment to justice, stating that her legacy will have a lasting impact on the province. The Court of Appeal of Alberta described Khullar as a respected and compassionate jurist whose decisions reflected her intellect and thoughtfulness, always mindful of the real-life implications for those involved.
In response to her passing, Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery extended condolences to Khullar’s family, emphasizing her enduring contributions to the legal landscape of Alberta. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser also paid tribute to Khullar, acknowledging her national influence and expressing gratitude for her dedication to upholding democracy and fairness within the justice system.
The loss of Chief Justice Khullar has left a significant void in the legal community, but her inspiring legacy will continue to be remembered and cherished by many.