Iris Petten
Honorific prefixThe Honourable
OfficeCanadian Senator
from Newfoundland and Labrador
Term startMay 3, 2023
PredecessorNorman Doyle
NominatorJustin Trudeau
AppointerMary Simon
Office 1Government Liaison in the Senate
Leader 1Marc Gold
Term start 1September 5, 2024
Predecessor 1Michèle Audette
Alma materMemorial University of Newfoundland
Birth dateFebruary 5, 1959 (age 67)
Birth placePort de Grave, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
PartyIndependent Senators Group

Iris G. Petten (born February 5, 1959) is a Canadian senator from Newfoundland and Labrador.[1]

Early life and career

Petten was born and raised in Port de Grave, Newfoundland and Labrador. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Vocational Education, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Memorial University of Newfoundland.[2]

In 1984, she began her career in the fishing industry with Fishery Products International. She was a founding shareholder and served as vice-president of Grand Atlantic Seafoods, a processing company. She later co-founded Ocean Choice International (OCI) in 2000 and remained there until 2008. She served three terms as the chair of the Board of Regents of Memorial University of Newfoundland, from 2013 to 2022.[2]

Senate

She was appointed to the Senate of Canada on May 3, 2023, on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[3] She sits as an independent member of the Senate.

References

  1. ^ "Former auditor general Jane MacAdam appointed as senator for P.E.I.". CBC News. May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  2. ^ "Iris Petten". Canadian Government. 2023-05-03. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  3. ^ "The Prime Minister announces the appointment of two senators". Canadian Government. 2023-05-03. Retrieved 2023-05-03.