National accessibility leader brings extensive governance, public service and lived experience to CAN
OTTAWA, October 7, 2026 — The Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) is pleased to announce that Yazmine Laroche has been appointed Chair of the CAN Governing Council.
A champion of CAN since its earliest days, Yazmine participated in the early conversations that helped shape the Network — exploring what CAN could become, who it should serve and how a national network could bring people and organizations together to advance accessibility across Canada. She also has a long-standing connection with Carleton University and the Accessibility Institute and has been a strong supporter of their work in accessibility.
Yazmine brings extensive leadership and governance experience to the role. Over a career spanning more than three decades in the federal public service, she held senior executive positions across multiple departments and became the first person with a visible disability to serve as a federal Deputy Minister in Canada. Her work has consistently focused on removing barriers, strengthening inclusive practices and building institutions that better reflect and serve the people they exist for.
Her leadership extends well beyond government. Yazmine recently completed her term as inaugural Chair of the Disability Screen Office, helping guide the organization from its inception and advancing disability representation in Canada’s screen industries. She currently serves as a Trustee of the National Arts Centre, a Director on the Board of the Ottawa International Airport Authority, and a member of the Panel of Advisors to the Auditor General of Canada. She also served for many years on the Board of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, including as Board Chair.
Her contributions to accessibility and public service have been recognized through numerous honours, including the David C. Onley Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and an honorary doctorate from Carleton University, her alma mater. In December 2024, CAN also recognized Yazmine with its National Accessibility Champion Award, celebrating her leadership, advocacy and commitment to advancing accessibility in Canada.
As Chair, Yazmine will work with Governing Council members, the Advisory Council, Communities of Practice, CAN collaborators and the CAN National Office to help guide the Network’s strategic priorities and support its continued growth and impact. Her strategic leadership, governance experience, lived experience and collaborative approach align closely with CAN’s mission to advance accessibility through cross-sector collaboration, research and innovation, education and training, policy and employment.
“As a proud alumna of Carleton University, I am honoured to serve as Chair of the CAN Governing Council. This unique institution brings together organizations and individuals dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion across Canada. Together, our goal is to become the recognized leaders in accessibility knowledge and practice”
Recognizing Suzanne Blanchard’s leadership
CAN also recognizes the outstanding contributions of Suzanne Blanchard, who has served as Chair of the Governing Council with dedication and vision. As CAN’s founding Governing Council Chair, Suzanne was instrumental in championing and launching CAN in 2019 and has since helped guide the Network through an important period of growth and development, strengthening partnerships across sectors and supporting CAN’s evolution as a national platform for accessibility collaboration.
CAN extends its sincere appreciation to Suzanne for her leadership, commitment and many contributions to the Network.
“Thank you Suzanne for your exemplary leadership in building and strengthening CAN”