Lisa LaFlamme, OC, OOnt
Canadian Journalist
For over 35 years, Lisa LaFlamme has been a dynamic force in journalism, navigating the complexities of our time and shedding light on pressing global issues. From the frontlines of breaking news to the heart of Canadian society, LaFlamme has consistently delivered impactful stories that resonate with audiences across the nation.
As an internationally respected journalist, LaFlamme has engaged with major newsmakers, Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Royals, using her platform to amplify the voices of those affected by injustice and oppression. Her extensive travel to some of the world’s most perilous regions — including Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine — has allowed her to document the harrowing effects of conflict on society, spotlighting its toll on the most vulnerable while exposing the corruption that thrives amidst chaos.
A proud native of Kitchener-Waterloo, LaFlamme embarked on her journey in journalism in 1988, beginning her career in local radio and television before ascending to CTV National News in 1997. With a series of remarkable career milestones, she transitioned from anchoring CTV Newschannel to serving as an Ottawa correspondent in the Parliamentary bureau. In September 2001, just one day into her new role co-hosting the then, number one morning show, Canada Am, the world was rocked by the 9/11 attacks. This pivotal moment pulled her from the studio to report from New York City, the United Nations, the Pentagon, and ultimately into the heart of Iraq and Afghanistan.
LaFlamme's courageous reporting took her from conflict zones to humanitarian crises, capturing award-winning coverage of hurricanes, earthquakes, and the climate crisis.
In 2011, she made history as Canada’s first female anchor of a national nightly newscast, succeeding longtime anchor Lloyd Robertson.
As Chief Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV National News for nearly 12 years, LaFlamme led the country’s then, most-watched newscast, ensuring her role as the recognizable face of news in Canada. Her career has been marked by critical acclaim for live broadcasts that capture historic moments — from royal weddings to political upheavals, the rescue of Chilean miners, the opioid crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, she has reported extensively on the humanitarian crisis affecting the Afghan people, passionately advocating for women and girls threatened by the Taliban.
LaFlamme’s exceptional contributions to journalism have earned her 15 Canadian Screen Awards, consecutive RTDNA awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the prestigious Gordon Sinclair Award for her exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism. In 2023, she was honored with the Canadian Journalism Foundation Tribute award and the Journalists For Human Rights award for Human Rights Reporting. Her accolades also include honorary doctorates from the University of Ottawa, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Windsor, Toronto Metropolitan University and Trent University.
In June 2019, LaFlamme was made an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.), one of the nation's highest honors.
A staunch advocate for democracy and freedom of the press, LaFlamme dedicates her time to Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), mentoring young journalists in conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Additionally, she serves as an ambassador for Plan International demonstrating her commitment to social justice and equality.
LaFlamme is host of the acclaimed podcast Carry The Fire and the Journalists For Human Rights podcast.
Lisa LaFlamme’s journey is a testament to the power of journalism as a tool for change and a beacon of hope for those in need of a voice.