Introduction
Iris Petten (born February 5, 1959) is a Canadian senator from Newfoundland and Labrador.
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.
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.
Senate
She was appointed to the Senate of Canada on May 3, 2023, on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She sits as an independent member of the Senate.