This release was issued under a previous government.

The appointment of the Honourable Judge Philp follows an open competition to recruit the new Chief. Judge Philp will replace the current Chief, the Honourable David Blair Mason, Q.C., who is retiring.

“I am extremely proud to announce the selection of the Honourable Judge Philp as the new Chief of the Human Rights Commission. Albertans value the Commission, and the extensive legal background and judicial experience of Judge Philp will be key to the Commission continuing to fulfill its role in our province.”

Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

The Honourable Judge Robert A. Philp has been a Provincial Court Judge in the criminal court division for the past nine years. He has also been a Deputy Judge of the Northwest Territories, Territorial Court since 2007. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Philp practiced law with a focus on trade unions, employee representation, professional discipline matters and select criminal law.

Judge Philp has also been the general counsel for the Alberta Labour Relations Board, Alberta Human Rights Commission and the Alberta Board of Industrial Relations, representing them at all levels of the court. Judge Philp was a professor of labour relations in the University of Alberta’s faculty of business. 

"I also offer my sincere thanks to outgoing Chief Blair Mason for his service. His dedication to fostering equality and reducing discrimination can be clearly seen across our province, and the impact of his work will continue to benefit Albertans for years to come."

Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.