Yazmine Laroche

Yazmine Laroche was appointed to the NAC Board of Trustees in February 2023.

Yazmine Laroche, ICD.D, was the first person with a visible disability to become a federal Deputy Minister in Canada and was Canada’s first Deputy Minister for Public Service Accessibility.  She is currently the Chair of the Disability Screen Office, and a member and past Chair of the Board of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. 

Yazmine has had an eclectic career. From on-air host of community radio and tv and enthusiastic lead singer in local bands to drafting broadcasting legislation; from organizing Canada's first conference on the Arts and Broadcasting to securing funding to help launch the NAC's "Scene" series; from designing an award-winning talent management program for senior leaders to creating a multi-billion dollar infrastructure program for municipalities.  She has built a reputation as an innovative leader with the ability to mobilize people to achieve results.

Yazmine is a compelling communicator, public speaker and idea-generator. Recognized as a Champion for inclusion, collaboration, and diversity, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Carleton University, in 2019, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.