The Honourable Ritu Khullar Chief Justice of Alberta and
Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and Northwest Territories

It is with profound sadness that the Court of Appeal of Alberta shares news that the Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories, the Honourable Ritu Khullar, died on September 3, 2026. She was surrounded by family members whom she loved deeply and who loved her.

The Honourable Ritu Khullar spent more than two decades in private practice, becoming one of Alberta’s preeminent lawyers in public law issues including labour and employment, privacy, administrative, human rights, and constitutional law. Her clients benefited from her deep intellect, thoughtfulness, compassion, and dedication.

A stellar judicial career followed. She was appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in March 2017 and, a year later, to the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories.

The Honourable Ritu Khullar was a respected jurist whose intellect, thoughtfulness, and compassion were reflected in her work. She never lost sight of the impact her decisions had on the lives of the parties before her. She understood that justice is the application of law to life.

On November 28, 2022, she was appointed Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories, roles she considered the greatest privilege and honour of her professional life. The Honourable Ritu 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. She led by example, undertaking every aspect of her work in a principled and diligent manner.

We mourn the loss of our dedicated leader, colleague and friend. She will be dearly missed.