What to know
- Lloyd Robertson has died at the age of 92, his family confirmed.
- The veteran broadcaster spent nearly 60 years in Canadian journalism, including decades at CTV and CBC.
- Robertson anchored Canadians through historic moments including federal elections, wars and the Sept. 11 attacks.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney called him “a reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty” in a public tribute.
- Tributes also came from Marit Stiles, Andi Petrillo, Evan Solomon and others who praised his professionalism, kindness and integrity.
- Robertson is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nancy, and their four daughters.
Broadcasting has lost a giant. Lloyd Robertson, one of Canada’s most trusted figures in journalism, has died at the age of 92, his family confirmed Tuesday.
Prior to his retirement in 2011, Robertson spent nearly six decades delivering the news to Canadians. Among many roles, he served as chief anchor and senior editor of CTV National News from 1984 until 2011 and spent more than 20 years as a journalist for CBC, anchoring the outlet’s national newscast from 1970 through 1976.
Born in Stratford, Ont., Robertson began his broadcasting career in radio in 1952 before joining CBC in 1954. He was appointed to the Order of Canada, inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and became the first journalist honoured on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Following his retirement as chief anchor, he remained with CTV as a special correspondent.
Throughout his career, Robertson guided viewers through some of the country’s and world’s defining moments, including federal elections, wars, Sept. 11, 2001, and countless breaking news events. He became known for his calm, authoritative delivery and his signature sign-off: “That’s the kind of day it’s been.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney took to social media to share the news, calling the late newscaster “a reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty” who helped Canadians make sense of the world for more than six decades.
“For millions of us, he was a familiar face in our living rooms. A reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty,” Carney wrote on X. “A calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation.”
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles called Robertson a journalist who earned Canadians trust.
“ From Stratford, Ontario to the anchor desk for over four decades, he earned the thing every journalist chases: our trust,” Stiles posted, adding that she shares her condolences with Robertson’s loved ones.
CBC journalist Andi Petrillo shared a memory of Robertson’s kindness while she was a student.
“I share a story in my book about the time I won a silent auction to have lunch with Mr. Robertson. I was still in school and full of dreams. I spent the whole afternoon picking his brain. He was very giving of his time and I’ll always remember his wisdom.”
Evan Soloman, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, also shared a tribute, saying “there was no one like Lloyd.”
“He was the consummate journalist and broadcaster, always hardworking, fearless and fair. I once asked him for his advice, and what made his CTV newscast so trusted and popular. He said his motto was always: ‘be first and be friendly.’ He was both,” Solomon wrote. “He was also trusted. He was a mentor to many, and a true friend to the country. RIP to the ultimate broadcaster, a leader and a gentleman.”
Robertson is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nancy, and their four daughters.
