Karen Leibovici Biography

After completing her Master's Degree in social work, Karen Leibovici began a career as a social worker in Montreal. A strong interest in labour relations soon led Karen to become involved in the Ville Marie Social Service Workers Union, where she participated as a member and later served as President.

Moving to Edmonton in 1980, Karen worked for the City of Edmonton as a Labour Relations Officer and the City's Equal Opportunity Officer. In this capacity, she represented management in negotiating collective agreements with civic unions. Karen also developed the City's Equal Opportunity Policy, which was referenced by numerous municipalities across Canada. She remained active in her community by getting involved in issues affecting Edmonton's west end and volunteering with community leagues and organizations such as Chrysalis and Block Parents.

Elected MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark in 1993, Karen held her seat for two terms. She excelled in various roles, including Labour Critic, Health Critic, Intergovernmental Affairs Critic and Caucus Whip. Karen has made many presentations regarding advocacy and taught at the University of Alberta.

Karen was elected to City Council in 2001 and re-elected in 2004 and 2007. She has served as Chair or Vice-Chair of numerous committees such as Transportation and Public Works Committee, Executive Committee, Community Services Committee, and was on the Edmonton Police Commission from January 2006 to October 2008.

Karen's involvement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has increased over the years since her original appointment in 2005. She has recently been elected as the 2nd Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Muncipalities, Board of Directors. In addition she is also Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund. Karen was the former Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Prairies and Territories Regional Committee.

Karen is Chair of the Edmonton Stop Marijuana Grow Operation Coalition (ESMGOC), an organization that received Honourable Mention for the 2008 Minister's Awards for Municipal Excellence.

Karen is also involved in several Council Initiatives including Affordable Housing - Housing First, Transforming Edmonton, Circumpolar Initiative, Expo 2017, and Stony Plain Road Revitalization.