A graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Development and Globalization, LaPlante has devoted more than two decades to advancing peace, security, democratic governance and international cooperation through her career in the Canadian public service.
LaPlante currently serves as Chargé d’affaires of Canada to Myanmar, a position she assumed in September 2025. Throughout her career, she has represented Canada in complex environments including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, the occupied Palestinian Territories and Myanmar, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected states, democratic transitions and peace process diplomacy.
Her contributions to peace and international security have earned significant recognition, including the Peace-Development-Security Nexus Award for her work on Canada’s response to the Rohingya crisis. Her work in the occupied Palestinian Territories was also recognized through a Deputy Minister’s Award for her contribution to developing a major foreign policy strategy related to Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine.
Beyond her public service career, LaPlante is the founder and owner of Vitality Fitness Studio, a wellness business focused on improving health and quality of life in the community. She credits her studies at uOttawa with providing the intellectual foundation and global perspective that have shaped her professional life.
“We are proud to recognize Rosalee LaPlante as the 2026 recipient of the Faculty of Social Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award,” said Nathan Young, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. “ Her career exemplifies the impact our graduates can have on some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through her commitment to peace, diplomacy, international cooperation and community well-being, Rosalee embodies the values of leadership and service that this award celebrates.”
Congratulations to Rosalee LaPlante on this well-deserved recognition!