Ritu Khullar Obituary, Death: Alberta Chief Justice Dies at 62

The Canadian legal community is mourning the death of Ritu Khullar, the Honourable Chief Justice of Alberta and a prominent jurist whose career spanned more than two decades in private practice and nearly a decade on the bench.

Khullar died on September 3, 2026, at the age of 62, according to the Court of Appeal of Alberta. The court said she was surrounded by family members whom she loved deeply and who loved her.

Her death marks the loss of one of Alberta’s most senior judicial figures and a respected leader whose work extended beyond the province. At the time of her death, she was also Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Ritu Khullar Obituary Details

Who Was Ritu Khullar?

Ritu Khullar was a highly respected Canadian lawyer and judge whose professional career was closely associated with public law, human rights and access to justice.

Before becoming a judge, she spent more than two decades in private practice. The Court of Appeal of Alberta described her as one of Alberta’s leading lawyers in areas including labour and employment law, privacy, administrative law, human rights and constitutional law.

She joined the judiciary in March 2017, when she was appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. The following year, she was elevated to the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Her appointment as Chief Justice came on November 28, 2022. She later described the position as one of the greatest privileges and honours of her professional life.

Ritu Khullar’s Legal Career and Legacy

Khullar’s legal career was marked by a strong focus on fairness, constitutional rights and the administration of justice.

Before entering the judiciary, she appeared before administrative tribunals and courts at every level in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada. She also lectured at the University of Alberta and served on committees of the Canadian Bar Association.

As Chief Justice, she worked to strengthen confidence in the justice system and improve access to justice in Alberta and Canada’s northern territories.

The Court of Appeal remembered her for her intellect, thoughtfulness and compassion, emphasizing that she remained conscious of the effect judicial decisions could have on the lives of the people appearing before the courts.

Ritu Khullar Death and Cause of Death

Ritu Khullar died on September 3, 2026, surrounded by members of her family.

The official announcement from the Court of Appeal of Alberta did not disclose a cause of death. Some media reports have referred to an illness and cancer, but those details have not been established in the court’s official announcement and should therefore be treated cautiously.

Her family and loved ones have not publicly provided further details about the circumstances of her death.

Tributes to Ritu Khullar

Tributes have followed from Alberta’s legal and political communities.

Canada’s Minister of Justice described Khullar as a respected jurist and leader who served Canadians with compassion, integrity, intelligence and humility. The statement also highlighted her commitment to fairness, the rule of law, access to justice and judicial independence.

Alberta’s Court of Appeal described her as a dedicated leader, colleague and friend whose contributions to the justice system would be deeply missed.

Her death represents a significant moment for Alberta’s judiciary, where she served as the province’s chief justice during a period of important legal and institutional responsibilities.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Funeral, visitation and memorial-service arrangements for Ritu Khullar have not been publicly announced in the official information currently available.

Further details may be released by her family at a later date.

Disclaimer

This obituary has been prepared from publicly available information concerning the death and professional life of the Honourable Ritu Khullar. The Court of Appeal of Alberta confirmed her death on September 3, 2026, at age 62. Her official cause of death has not been disclosed, and this article does not speculate about the circumstances. Funeral and memorial arrangements may be updated if additional verified information is released by her family or representatives.