Canadian journalist and broadcaster Heather Thomson, renowned for her incisive interviews with politicians and celebrities, has passed away at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer, CTV News reported. She died on Sunday morning, surrounded by family.

Thomson’s career in journalism spanned over three decades, marked by dedication and professionalism. She began at Global News, anchoring from 1997 to 2003, before joining CTV News Toronto as a reporter. She later became a CTV News Channel anchor and contributed to the network’s morning program, Canada AM.

Throughout her career, Thomson covered major events, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and conducted high-profile interviews with figures such as Donald Trump, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. Her work earned her widespread respect, culminating in a lifetime achievement award from the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada (RTDNA) in October 2024. RTDNA president Lis Travers praised her as “one of Canada’s most respected news personalities.”

Richard Gray, Bell Media’s vice-president of news, described Thomson as “a trusted voice and a valued teammate to all of us at CTV News,” highlighting the enduring impact of her journalism and mentorship.