Canadian Judicial Council mourns the loss of the Honourable Ritu Khullar

Ottawa, September 8, 2026 – Members of the Canadian Judicial Council were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of their dear colleague, the Honourable Ritu Khullar, Chief Justice of Alberta and Chief Justice of the Courts of Appeal of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Chief Justice Khullar joined the Council in 2022. She sat on a number of the Council's committees, including the Appeal Courts Forum, the Public Information Committee, and the Study Leave Committee, which she chaired for two years. 

"Chief Justice Khullar was a dedicated and deeply respected jurist and member of the Council. Through more than two decades in private practice and nearly a decade on the bench, she made enduring contributions to the administration of justice. Ritu’s passing comes far too soon, but her legacy of wisdom, compassion, diligence, and exemplary leadership will continue to inspire those who follow," noted Chief Justice of Canada and Council Chairperson, the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.

On behalf of all its members, the Council extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Chief Justice Khullar.

About the Canadian Judicial Council

The Council was created in 1971 by Parliament to maintain and improve the quality of judicial services in Canada's superior courts. It has the power and duty to investigate complaints into the conduct of federally appointed judges. The Council is also responsible for the continuing education of judges, as well as for developing other tools and programs to maintain public confidence in the judicial system.

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Contact :
Krista Ferraro
Director of Communications and Strategic Issues Management 
Canadian Judicial Council 
info@cjc-ccm.ca