Karen Klassen is a Senior Environmental Manager with over 20 years of experience in the environmental sector and more than a decade specializing in regulatory compliance and environmental management systems. A certified Compliance Auditor (EP(CEA)), Karen has led and supported numerous environmental compliance and EMS audits across diverse sectors, including industrial facilities, utilities, transportation corridors, and hazardous waste operations.
Her expertise extends to developing frameworks, protocols, and tools based on ISO standards and best practices. Karen has collaborated with major organizations and government agencies, including the Canadian military, to strengthen environmental and safety management systems.
A strong advocate for health, safety, and environmental stewardship, Karen served as a full-time provincial Health and Safety Advisor for over three years and has been an active member of her company Environment, Health and Safety Committee since 2006, currently as management co-chair.
She is committed to mentoring emerging professionals, training new auditors, and supporting colleagues in achieving professional designations.
Karen has participated in environmental initiatives such as wildlife rescue, shoreline cleanups, and ecological studies, including an owl demography study.
Dedicated to quality and high standards, she continues to be a respected leader in advancing environmental practices and compliance.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
