Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen 1 of 5 new appointments to Canadian Senate
Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen is one of five people named as independent Senators by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon on Thursday.
The five appointees include:
- Karen Sorensen, for Alberta;
- David Arnot, for Saskatchewan;
- Michèle Audette, for Québec;
- Amina Gerba, for Québec, and;
- Clément Gignac, for Québec.
Sorensen is currently in her third term as mayor and before that she spent six years as a town councillor and four years as a school board trustee.
She also spent 17 years working in the hotel industry in Ontario, B.C. and Alberta.
Sorensen was named Alberta Centennial Ambassador in 2005 and was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and YWCA Banff 2019 Woman of Distinction Award.
The new Senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, and chosen using "the merit-based process open to all Canadians," read a release.
"I am pleased to welcome Parliament’s newest independent Senators. Their combined experience, perspectives, and dedication to serving Canadians will further strengthen the Senate and help shape our country’s future," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement.
"I look forward to working with them, and all senators, as we take steps toward our recovery and to building back a more resilient and inclusive Canada for everyone.”
In 2016, the selection process for senators was opened to all Canadians. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the prime minister.
"Once appointed by the Governor General, new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy," read a release.
Who should fill the remaining vacant Senate seat in Alberta will be a question on municipal ballots this October. Albertans will see a list of Senate candidates on the ballot, and choose who they want appointed for Alberta. Premier Jason Kenney will then submit the Top 3 names to Trudeau.
Kenney’s intent was that he would ask Trudeau to appoint the Top 2 to two vacant Alberta Senate seats, with the third held in reserve for the next retirement opening. But with Sorensen’s appointment, only one seat remains vacant in Alberta.
Kenney issued a statement Thursday afternoon, saying Trudeau showed "contempt for democracy in Alberta" by the appointment.
"The prime minister knows full well that Alberta will be holding elections for Senate nominees in October of this year. I personally informed him of our forthcoming Senate elections at our July 7 meeting in Calgary, and told him that the Alberta legislature had adopted a motion calling on the Prime Minister not to fill the two current Senate vacancies but to wait for Albertans to choose their own preferred Senate candidates," it read.
“Alberta’s tradition of electing Senate nominees goes back to the 1980s. We have had four Senate elections in the past, and five nominees to the Senate selected by Albertans in these elections went on to be appointed and to represent Albertans in Parliament democratically.
“The Prime Minister’s decision shows contempt for democratic decision-making, and for Alberta voters in particular."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.