Karen Sorensen (born May 20, 1959) is a Canadian politician who has been a senator from the province of Alberta since July 2021. She previously served as the mayor of Banff, Alberta, for three terms, beginning in 2010.

Karen Sorensen
Canadian Senator
from Alberta
Assumed office
July 29, 2021
Nominated byJustin Trudeau
Appointed byMary Simon
Preceded byGrant Mitchell
Mayor of Banff
In office
2010 – July 29, 2021
Preceded byJohn Stutz
Succeeded byCorrie DiManno
Banff Town Councillor
In office
2004–2010
Personal details
Born (1959-05-20) May 20, 1959 (age 65)[1]
Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Political partyIndependent Senators Group
Alma materUniversity of Guelph

Early life and career

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Sorensen was born in Orangeville, Ontario.[2]

Professionally, she was a hotelier for 17 years before founding Catalyst Enterprises Consulting in 2000, which provides training for the hospitality industry. She is a graduate of the University 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]

Senate

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On July 29, 2021, she was summoned to the Senate of Canada by Governor General Mary Simon, on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[4][5] She then joined the Independent Senators Group.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Senators list". Senate of Canada. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  2. ^ Conboy, Marie. "Bow Valley Profiles - Mayor of Banff Karen Sorensen". Bow Valley Crag and Canyon. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Karen Sorensen (Backgrounder)". Prime Minister of Canada. Prime Minister's Office. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  4. ^ "Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen appointed to Senate". CBC News. July 29, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  5. ^ Gilligan, Melissa (July 29, 2021). "Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen resigns to become independent senator". Global News. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  6. ^ "Senator Karen Sorensen". Senate of Canada. Retrieved August 1, 2022.