Laura Dudas was first elected to Ottawa City Council in 2018 as the Councillor for Innes Ward and was re-elected in 2022 to represent the newly redistributed Orléans West–Innes Ward. During her initial term, Laura served as Ottawa’s Deputy Mayor, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the city’s governance.
Laura has been a dedicated and active participant in several key committees, including the Finance and Economic Development Committee, Transportation Committee, Community and Protective Services Committee, Planning and Housing Committee, and Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. She currently chairs the Community Services Committee and serves as a member of the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee and the Finance and Corporate Services Committee.
In addition to her local responsibilities, Laura plays a significant role on the national stage as a member of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). She also serves on several important FCM committees, including the Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Standing Committee, the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Standing Committee, and the Rural Forum. Through these roles, she advocates for Ottawa’s interests and contributes to shaping national municipal policies on key issues such as infrastructure, public safety, and rural development.
Economic development is a cornerstone of Laura’s work. She served on the Mayor’s Economic Taskforce, which was formed to support Ottawa’s business, festival, and tourism sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also been instrumental in advancing the Orléans Corridor Secondary Plan, positioning the east end for sustainable economic growth aligned with the arrival of light rail transit.
Laura has been a fervent supporter of Ottawa’s business community, extending her advocacy well beyond the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, in response to the economic pressures caused by America’s damaging tariffs, working to support and help local businesses navigate uncertainty and maintain their competitiveness in a complex trade environment.
Locally, Laura is deeply committed to Ottawa’s east end, where she has been a vocal champion for investments in community parks, transportation infrastructure, transit expansions, and the expansion of the Lois Kemp Arena. She has worked closely with City staff to coordinate the planting of thousands of new trees across the ward, enhancing green space and environmental resilience. She has also spearheaded extensive park infrastructure upgrades, including the complete replacement and modernization of every community splashpad in the ward. These efforts reflect her passion for creating safe, vibrant, and welcoming public spaces for residents of all ages.
Prior to her election, Laura built a career in strategic communications with the City of Ottawa and honed her media expertise as a journalist for daily newspapers such as the Ottawa Sun, Stratford Beacon Herald, and Cambridge Reporter. This background helps her stay connected with the community and fuels her genuine interest in digging into city issues with care and attention to detail, so she can better understand what matters most to residents.
Beyond her formal roles, Laura has been a longstanding community volunteer, including nearly a decade as President of the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association. She has been actively engaged with local business groups, including the former Orléans Chamber of Commerce, and remains a supporter of the Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Association.
Residing in Blackburn Hamlet with her family since 2006, Laura is proud to serve and represent the community she calls home.