The broadcasting world and the city of Montreal are mourning the loss of Dennis Trudeau, a respected journalist and broadcaster who became a familiar face and voice to generations of Canadians.

Trudeau, 77, passed away peacefully on Monday in Montreal after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His passing marks the end of an era in Canadian journalism, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, fairness, and dedication to the craft of storytelling.

For nearly two decades, Dennis Trudeau anchored CBC’s flagship evening newscast, Newswatch—later known as Canada Now—where he guided viewers through some of the most defining moments in Quebec and Canadian history.

From 1987 to 2005, his calm demeanor and authoritative presence made him a trusted source of news during the supper hour. Before taking the anchor chair, he made his mark in radio, hosting Daybreak, CBC Montreal’s morning program, and the nationally acclaimed As It Happens. His warm, steady voice became instantly recognizable across the country.

Former CBC journalist Tom Harrington, who worked closely with Trudeau on Daybreak and Newswatch, remembered him as a consummate professional and mentor. “He was an old-school journalist,” Harrington said. “He had worked in the newspaper business before coming to radio, so he was a newsman first.

He did hard-hitting interviews with everyone and demanded the best from his reporters.” Trudeau’s sense of responsibility and precision set a high standard for those around him, earning him immense respect within CBC’s newsroom and beyond.

During his 18 years as anchor, Trudeau covered some of the most significant and emotional events in Quebec’s modern history, including the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre and the 1995 Quebec referendum. His measured tone and empathy during such moments provided comfort and clarity to viewers when they needed it most. Harrington noted, “He was really the conscience of the newsroom. An awful lot of us really looked up to him.”

Born in Ottawa, Trudeau studied political science and philosophy before earning a graduate diploma in journalism from Western University. His journalism career began in print, writing for the Montreal Gazette and the Montreal Star, before moving to radio and eventually television. He joined CBC in 1979, where he flourished as a broadcaster in both English and French, becoming a unifying figure in Canada’s bilingual media landscape.

Even after retiring from CBC in 2005, Trudeau’s passion for journalism never waned. He served as vice-president of Reporters Without Borders Canada, hosted shows on AM 940 and 98.5 FM, and contributed to media discussions as a commentator and writer. He also ran his own communications company and continued to moderate events, blending professionalism with charm and wit.

Trudeau’s longtime friend Dave Kaufman fondly recalled his joyful spirit, even in his final months. “He said he was having a party every day, and every day he wanted to see a different person,” Kaufman shared. “There was a calmness and acceptance in him that was inspiring. He was full of joy for the love that surrounded him and the life he had lived.”

Dennis Trudeau is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne Jobin, his son Sam and daughter-in-law Sarah, and his cherished grandson Jacob. His legacy will live on through the countless journalists he mentored and the millions of Canadians who trusted his voice.

A true gentleman of journalism, Dennis Trudeau will be remembered not only for his professionalism and integrity but for his humanity, warmth, and enduring love of storytelling.