'You did Canada proud': Tributes pour in for late veteran news anchor Lloyd Robertson
Heartfelt tributes continue to pour in following the death of longtime CTV News chief anchor Lloyd Robertson.
On Tuesday, CTV News announced that Robertson had died at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nancy, their four daughters, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Born in Stratford, Ont., he was one of Canada’s most respected broadcasters, spending over six decades covering many of the world’s most significant events.
Robertson reported on the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Neil Armstrong’s first footsteps on the moon, Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, among other major stories.
Behind the scenes, he pushed for equality in the newsroom.
Bell Media
Former president of CTV News, Wendy Freeman, told CP24 that it was important for Robertson that women be promoted. In 2022, when Bell Media ousted veteran anchor Lisa LaFlamme amid allegations of ageism and sexism, Robertson weighed in, telling Guelph Today, “You don’t go laying off that person the way you laid off Lisa LaFlamme. These people are good human beings, communicating with the public in a real way, and being true to their own identities and their own integrity as they go along.”
Following news of his death, journalists, politicians, broadcasters, and viewers took to social media to remember Robertson’s remarkable career, professionalism, and lasting impact on Canadian journalism.
Prime Minister Mark Carney honoured Robertson, stating that he “helped Canadians make sense of the world.”
For more than six decades, Lloyd Robertson helped Canadians make sense of the world.
For millions of us, he was a familiar face in our living rooms. A reassuring voice in moments of uncertainty. A calm and steady presence through the moments that shaped our nation.
Tonight as…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) August 5, 2026
CBC reporter/anchor Ben O’Hara-Byrne recalled the “surreal moment” when he first did a live with Robertson.
No reporter will forget the first time they did a live hit with Lloyd, it was a surreal moment for me, like finding myself face to face with a mythical being, but he was also a gracious and classy man through and through – RIP. https://t.co/I5LxzvtbLA
— Ben O’Hara-Byrne (@Ben_oharabyrne) August 5, 2026
Film critic Richard Crouse called him “a giant, a talent” who will be missed.
This is such sad news. He was a wonderful man who brought ice cream for his news staff every Friday night and always had a kind word. I always called him Mr. Robertson and he would always correct me. “Call me Lloyd.” Inevitably the next time I would see him I’d say, “Mr…” catch… https://t.co/tZRH52vU6q
— Richard Crouse (@RichardCrouse) August 5, 2026
Communications strategist Martine St-Victor shared a clip of Robertson’s final TV sign-off in 2011, reflecting on his lasting impact.
This was Lloyd Robertson’s last TV send-off, on September 1st 2011. He’s one of the news pillars who has shaped how I view the role of anchor. I think it’s as important today as it was then.
Merci, Monsieur Robertson, et requiescat in pace. pic.twitter.com/XcVDA4r5OQ
— Martine St-Victor (@MartineMontreal) August 5, 2026
Former journalist Lucas Meyer called him a “classic, throwback newsman”, recalling the time the veteran broadcaster turned the tables after a collision left his car badly damaged. Unharmed in the crash, Robertson took over the interview and began reporting on his own accident.
Lloyd Robertson was such a classic, throwback newsman that he one time broke down his own car collision.
Just give the man the mic and let the voice cook.
RIP to a true legend. https://t.co/TwCltUNXs8 pic.twitter.com/lCXV6riRxF
— Lucas Meyer 🎙️ (@meyer_lucas) August 5, 2026
Old Canada Series honoured Robertson with a throwback photo from 1956.
RIP Lloyd Robertson. A photo of the legendary Canadian news broadcaster while working at CBC radio in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1956. 1934-2026. pic.twitter.com/EFaIQxf5kq
— Old Canada Series (@oldcanadaseries) August 5, 2026
For generations of Canadians, he was a trusted and familiar presence delivering the day’s headlines.
MPP Marit Stiles shared her condolences online, stating that Robertson earned the trust of generations of Canadians throughout his career.
For generations, Canadians ended their day with Lloyd Robertson. From Stratford, Ontario to the anchor desk for over four decades, he earned the thing every journalist chases: our trust. My condolences to his family and all who loved him. https://t.co/dbcvayrKvs
— Marit Stiles (@MaritStiles) August 5, 2026
One tribute captured the personal connection that many Canadians felt with Robertson.
His voice was like a soundtrack to my childhood.
Good night, Lloyd. You did Canada proud. Rest in peace. https://t.co/PJn0ByRbOM
— 🇨🇦Annex🇺🇦 (@annex_girl) August 5, 2026
As messages continue to pour in, with Canadians remembering Robertson in their own way, the sentiment remains the same: the country has lost one of its broadcasting legends.