Yazmine Laroche is a transformational leader with extensive experience at the highest levels of the federal public service, including roles at Transport Canada, Canadian Heritage, and Infrastructure Canada.

Nominated by the City of Ottawa in 2025, Yazmine brings a diverse skill set that includes public policy, strategy, program design and delivery, and communications. She currently serves on several boards, including the Panel of Advisors to the Auditor General of Canada, the Board of Trustees of the National Arts Centre where she chairs the Human Resources Committee, and is Chair of the Disability Screen Office.

Yazmine was the first person with a visible disability to be appointed as a Federal Deputy Minister in Canada and was the first Deputy Minister of Public Service Accessibility . Her leadership in developing and implementing the Public Service Accessibility Strategy, along with her lived experience, will be an asset to YOW as the airport continues to prioritize a barrier-free experience for all passengers, employees, and visitors.

Her longstanding commitment to public service and volunteerism was recognized with an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Carleton University, in 2019, and as a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.