Veteran Canadian journalist Thomson, best known for her extensive interviews with political figures and celebrities, passed away Sunday morning at age 61. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a courageous, extended battle with cancer — a full and dignified conclusion to an extraordinary life of public service. (CTV News)
Thomson began her on-air career with CTV News Toronto as a reporter. Over time, she became a prominent anchor on CTV News Channel, following her earlier work on the network’s Canada AM morning show. Prior to that, she served as a news anchor at Global News from 1997 to 2003.
In October of last year, she was honoured with the lifetime achievement award by the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada. When the award was presented, then-RTDNA Canada president Lis Travers described Thomson as “one of Canada’s most respected news personalities.”
Her career spanned more than three decades and included significant moments such as covering the 2016 U.S. presidential election and conducting high-profile interviews with figures including Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Donald Trump, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.
Richard Gray, Vice-President of News at Bell Media, paid tribute on Sunday, calling Thomson “a trusted voice and a valued teammate to all of us at CTV News.”
Thomson’s passing leaves a gap not only at the network she served so well but also in the hearts of viewers and colleagues who trusted her for fairness, clarity, and integrity. She will be remembered not just for her many years behind the microphone, but for the steady guidance and genuine humanity she brought to Canadian journalism.
