Work done on Indigenous issues by outgoing Chief Justice applauded

New Alberta Liberal Party leader and Indigenous rights lawyer David Khan has recognized outgoing Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin for her work with Indigenous peoples.

“I have great respect for Chief Justice McLachlin and her commitment to Indigenous rights, including her willingness to use the term ‘cultural genocide’ to describe the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Her decisions on Indigenous issues laid the groundwork for many of my professional endeavours and successes as an Indigenous rights lawyer,” said Khan.

Calgary-based lawyer Khan practises Indigenous law across Canada, representing First Nations government clients at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

McLachlin was the first woman in the position and the longest-serving Chief Justice in Canadian history.

“She is a passionate, intelligent and articulate defender of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and a skillful consensus builder who presided over an extraordinary number of unanimous decisions,” said Khan.

Khan challenged Calgary lawyer Kerry Cundal for party leadership to replace Dr. David Swann. Swann holds the only Liberal Party's seat in the Alberta Legislature.