Statement by the Chief Justices of Alberta Courts

January 27, 2026

As proud Albertans, we care deeply about this province and the people of Alberta.

The judges on Alberta’s three courts - the Court of Justice, the Court of King’s Bench and the Court of Appeal - recognize that our fundamental role is to serve Albertans. We do this by upholding our oath of office to decide each case honestly, impartially, and to the best of our ability. We know that our decisions can profoundly impact the people who come before the courts. We take this responsibility seriously.

A properly functioning democracy requires three separate branches of government that exercise their power and authority independently according to the Constitution.

The executive branch makes policy and manages government operations. The legislative branch makes laws. In turn, the judicial branch interprets and applies those laws to disputes brought before the courts. If a party requests it, judges may be required to interpret and apply the Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and make a ruling.

The independence of each branch ensures there are checks and balances across the system. It is the foundation of a healthy democracy. Public trust and confidence in our institutions - and all three branches of government - depend on it. It is equally important that each branch respect and support the independence of the others.

Independence of the judicial branch protects the public. It ensures judges can make decisions based solely on the law and evidence presented. It frees judges from pressure or influence from external sources including the governments that appoint us.

Each day in Alberta’s courthouses, judges apply the law - to protect individual rights, decide disputes fairly and hold parties, including governments, accountable. The rule of law means no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally before the law, and power is not used arbitrarily. Alberta’s judges will continue to do this work faithfully.

Alberta’s judges are Albertans, like the people we serve. We are proud of the work judges and staff do every day to protect the rights of all Albertans and to safeguard our democracy.

Dawn Pentelechuk

Acting Chief Justice of Alberta

 

Kent H. Davidson

Chief Justice

Court of King's Bench of Alberta

James A. Hunter

Chief Justice

Alberta Court of Justice