Ritu Khullar Passed Away: Alberta Mourns Chief Justice After Her Death
The legal community in Alberta and across Canada is mourning the reported passing of the Honourable Ritu Khullar, Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Khullar died on September 3, 2026, leaving behind a distinguished legacy of legal service, judicial leadership and public duty.
Her death represents a significant loss to Canada’s justice system. Throughout her career, Khullar was widely respected for her commitment to fairness, integrity, judicial independence and the administration of justice. Colleagues and members of the legal profession remembered her as a thoughtful and dedicated public servant who made a lasting contribution to the courts.
Remembering Ritu Khullar
Before entering the judiciary, Khullar spent more than two decades practicing law in Alberta. Her extensive legal work included public law, labour and employment, privacy, administrative law, human rights and constitutional matters.
She appeared before courts and tribunals across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada, establishing herself as an accomplished advocate with broad experience in complex legal matters.
Khullar was appointed to the Alberta Court of King’s Bench in March 2017. In 2018, she was appointed to the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Her career reached another significant milestone in November 2022, when she became Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. In that role, she continued to emphasize judicial independence, effective court administration and public confidence in the justice system.
Tributes to Chief Justice Ritu Khullar
Following news of her death, tributes focused on Khullar’s professionalism, compassion, humility and dedication to the legal profession. She was remembered not only for her considerable legal knowledge but also for the support and encouragement she offered to colleagues and others working within the justice system.
Ritu Khullar Cause of Death
The specific cause of Ritu Khullar’s death has not been publicly disclosed in the information available. Any claims regarding an illness or circumstances surrounding her passing should be treated cautiously unless confirmed by her family, representatives or an official source.
Family and Legal Community Mourn
Khullar’s passing leaves a profound loss for her family, friends, colleagues and the wider Canadian legal community. Her decades of service as both a lawyer and judge established a lasting legacy in Alberta and beyond.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been provided in the available information. Further details may be announced by her family or official representatives.
Ritu Khullar will be remembered for her intellect, integrity, compassion and lifelong dedication to justice and public service.
