Canada is mourning the loss of Lloyd Robertson, the legendary journalist and longtime chief anchor of CTV National News, who has died at the age of 92. According to his family, Robertson passed away on Tuesday evening, bringing to a close one of the most distinguished careers in Canadian broadcasting history.
For more than six decades, Robertson became one of the nation’s most trusted voices, guiding Canadians through some of the most significant events of the 20th and early 21st centuries. During his remarkable tenure, he reported on historic moments including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 1969 moon landing, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Robertson’s broadcasting career began in 1952 at a local radio station in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. He joined the CBC in 1954 and made his national television debut in 1956, steadily rising through the ranks before becoming anchor of The National in 1970.
In 1976, Robertson made the landmark move to CTV National News, where he was offered greater editorial involvement. After co-anchor Harvey Kirck retired in 1984, Robertson became chief anchor and senior news editor, a role he held until his retirement in 2011. His calm demeanor, authoritative delivery, and unwavering commitment to factual reporting earned the trust of generations of viewers.
During his final broadcast in 2011, Robertson reflected on the privilege of his career.
“For me, it’s been a rare privilege to have been able to serve in this position for so long. It’s been a front-row seat to history.”
He added that one of the greatest rewards of his work was witnessing Canada’s growth and evolution over the decades.
Among the countless stories he covered, Robertson often described the September 11 attacks as the most remarkable news event of his career, noting that it fundamentally changed the way people lived and viewed security. He also frequently cited the moon landing and Terry Fox’s inspirational cross-country run as defining moments in Canadian history.
Beyond his reporting, Robertson was admired for his humility and professionalism. Even after retiring from the anchor desk, he continued contributing to CTV as co-host of W5 until 2016 and remained a familiar face as a commentator on CTV News Channel.
His dedication to journalism earned numerous honors, including appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1998, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Royal Roads University, and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. His hometown of Stratford declared September 1 as “Lloyd Robertson Day,” while a park in Markham also bears his name.
Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper once described Robertson’s retirement as “the end of an era,” while former Liberal leader Bob Rae praised him as a broadcaster defined by integrity, authenticity, and professionalism. Longtime colleague Craig Oliver credited Robertson with helping establish CTV News as one of Canada’s most respected news organizations.
Away from the newsroom, Robertson remained devoted to his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1956, and together they shared nearly seven decades of marriage, raising four daughters and welcoming seven grandchildren.
Robertson was also known for his signature closing words at the end of every broadcast:
“And that’s the kind of day it’s been.”
Those words became one of the most recognizable sign-offs in Canadian television history.
Lloyd Robertson leaves behind a legacy that helped shape modern Canadian journalism. Through decades of trusted reporting, steady leadership, and an unwavering commitment to informing the public, he became one of the country’s most respected broadcasters. His voice accompanied Canadians through moments of triumph, tragedy, and transformation, ensuring his place among the greatest journalists in the nation’s history.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Nancy Robertson, their children, grandchildren, colleagues, and all Canadians mourning the loss of a broadcasting legend. May Lloyd Robertson rest in peace, and may his extraordinary legacy continue to inspire future generations of journalists.