Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery have expressed condolences following the death of Chief Justice Ritu Khullar, praising her decades of public service and lasting contribution to the province’s justice system.
In a joint statement, Smith described Khullar as a dedicated public servant whose career was defined by integrity and a strong commitment to the administration of justice. She said Khullar’s work had left a lasting mark on Alberta and the broader Canadian legal system.
As Chief Justice of Alberta, Khullar led the province’s highest court and was widely respected within the legal community. Smith highlighted the responsibility attached to the position and said Khullar earned the respect of those who worked alongside her throughout her career.
“Alberta has lost a remarkable public servant,” Smith said, offering condolences to Khullar’s family, friends, colleagues and others who knew her.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery also described Khullar’s death as a significant loss for Alberta’s justice system and the legal profession.
Amery said Khullar was known for her fairness, legal expertise and commitment to the rule of law. During her time on the bench, he said, she worked to strengthen the justice system and improve access to justice while upholding the independence of the courts.
Her leadership, according to Amery, combined legal rigour with compassion and helped establish a professional standard that could influence future generations of judges and lawyers.
Amery extended his condolences to Khullar’s husband and sons, along with her wider family, friends and colleagues across the legal community.
Both provincial leaders said Khullar’s contributions would remain part of Alberta’s legal legacy, remembering her not only for the senior judicial office she held but also for a lifetime devoted to public service.
The province has paid tribute to her service at a time of mourning for Alberta’s judiciary and legal community.
