Albertans deserve to have a justice system that delivers transparent, fair and timely services. Investing in court resources through judicial appointments maximises capacity in the courts and improves access to justice for those involved in civil, criminal and family matters.

Syra Dhaliwal has been appointed as a part-time justice of the peace in Calgary effective June 30. This new appointment brings the total number of justices of the peace in Alberta to 43. Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made 33 judicial appointments to improve Albertans’ access to court.

“Appointing judiciary to our courts continues to be a priority as we strive to ensure Albertans have access to an efficient justice system that works better and faster. I am confident Ms. Dhaliwal will serve Albertans well. I welcome her to the Alberta Court of Justice for Calgary and congratulate her on this new role.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Lawyers with at least five years at the bar are eligible to apply for appointment as a justice of the peace in Alberta. Appointments are made for a term of 10 years. Each application undergoes a thorough, independent review by both the Alberta Judicial Council and the Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee before being recommended for appointment.

“The Alberta Court of Justice congratulates Ms. Dhaliwal on her appointment as a justice of the peace. Each court appointment is a step towards ensuring timely and effective access to justice for Albertans. I am confident that her background and experience will serve her well.” 

James Hunter, chief justice, Alberta Court of Justice

Syra Dhaliwal received her bachelor of laws degree from the University of Manchester, UK, in 2008, and that same year began her legal career working as a legal advocate in the Community Legal Assistance Society’s mental health law program in Vancouver. She was called to the Alberta Bar in September 2012, and then practiced law in the private sector. In November 2013, she studied mediating divorce and family conflicts at the Legal Education Society of Alberta. She most recently practiced law in Calgary in the areas of civil litigation, family law, wills and estates and real estate, from 2018 until her appointment in June 2025 as a part-time justice of the peace for the Alberta Court of Justice.

Quick facts

  • Full-time and part-time justices of the peace currently sit in traffic court in Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. Justices of the peace also sit in the Hearing Offices of Edmonton and Calgary.
  • The Hearing Office in Calgary handles applications from Red Deer south to the border of the province. The Edmonton Hearing Office handles matters from north of Red Deer to the territorial border. Click for further information.

Related information

  • Alberta’s government is actively recruiting justices of the peace and encourages qualified lawyers to apply. Qualified lawyers who wish to be considered for appointment can access the application form online.

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