Karen Sorensen | |
|---|---|
| Canadian Senator fromAlberta | |
| Assumed office July 29, 2021 | |
| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Appointed by | Mary Simon |
| Preceded by | Grant Mitchell |
| Mayor ofBanff | |
| In office 2010 – July 29, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John Stutz |
| Succeeded by | Corrie DiManno |
| Banff Town Councillor | |
| In office 2004–2010 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1959-05-20)May 20, 1959 (age 66)[1] Orangeville, Ontario, Canada |
| Party | Independent Senators Group |
| Alma mater | University of Guelph |
Karen Sorensen (born May 20, 1959) is a Canadian politician who has been a senator from the province ofAlberta since July 2021. She previously served as the mayor ofBanff, Alberta, for three terms, beginning in 2010.
Sorensen was born inOrangeville, Ontario.[2]
Professionally, she was a hotelier for 17 years before founding Catalyst Enterprises Consulting in 2000, which provides training for thehospitality industry. She is a graduate of theUniversity of Guelph, where she earned a bachelor's degree in geography.[3] Prior to becoming mayor, Sorensen was a municipal councillor for six years, from 2004 to 2010, and she was a school trustee for four.[3]
On July 29, 2021, she was summoned to theSenate of Canada by Governor GeneralMary Simon, on the advice of Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau.[4][5] She had previously, in 2019, applied online to be a senator, which was sent toHuguette Labelle, who headed the advisory board regarding senate appointments.[6] Upon her appointment in 2021, she joined theIndependent Senators Group.[7] She currently serves as co-chair of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus and is also on thestanding committees on Agriculture and Forestry and Indigenous Peoples.[7]
