TORONTO – CBC News Network veteran Heather Hiscox is retiring and will step down as host of “CBC Morning Live” this fall.
The longtime breaking-news anchor made the announcement this morning as the public broadcaster detailed upcoming programming plans.
Hiscox says she’s deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with Canadians each morning. Her final day will be in front of a live audience Nov. 6, also her 20th anniversary as host of the 6 a.m. show that runs for four hours.
The news came as CBC detailed lineup additions featuring a fall reality show in which stars including Jann Arden, Howie Mandel and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan field questions from people on the autism spectrum.
“The Assembly” is an adaptation of a French series where guests included President Emmanuel Macron.
Also on the way is the Manitoba-set animal rescue series “Must Love Dogs” with CFL star Brady Oliveira coming next year; the fall docuseries “Diamonds & Plastic,” about Montreal Tupperware queen Maria Meriano; a docuseries about Indigenous former NASCAR driver Derek White called “Running Smoke” and a behind-the-scenes look at Cirque du Soleil called “Cirque Life.”
Before she leaves, CBC says Hiscox will take “CBC Morning Live” on the road this fall to speak to Canadians directly about their perspectives on the country.
During Hiscox’s tenure on the desk she presented major news events including the Humboldt, Sask., bus crash; the Quebec City mosque shooting; the funerals of Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth II and 10 Olympic Games.
“As I contemplate this final chapter, I feel immense pride in what we’ve created as a morning team,” Hiscox said Wednesday in a release.
“Most of all, I am forever indebted to Canadians — their support has sustained me, and earning and keeping their trust has been the most rewarding achievement of my career.”
Hiscox began her broadcasting career in 1982 at a radio station in her hometown of Owen Sound, Ont., and moved into television in 1991. Her CBC roles included serving as a correspondent for “The National” and working out of CBC bureaus in Washington, D.C., and London, U.K.
The public broadcaster made the announcement at their headquarters at an annual event in which execs present the fall/winter news and television programming.
Returning comedies include sophomore seasons of “North of North” and “Small Achievable Goals,” a fifth season of “Son of a Critch” and a 33rd season of “This Hour Has 22 Minutes.”
On the drama side, “Saint-Pierre” gets a second season while “Allegiance,” “Plan B” and “Wild Cards” return for their third. Long-running favourites “Heartland” and “Murdoch Mysteries” both kick off 19th seasons this fall.
Returning unscripted shows include “Family Feud Canada,” “The Great Canadian Baking Show,” “Still Standing” and “Dragons’ Den,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary with “Property Brothers” star Drew Scott as a celebrity guest dragon.
Returning documentary series include “For the Culture with Amanda Parris,” “The Nature of Things” and “The Passionate Eye” — the latter of which will include an episode on Lilith Fair, the music festival started by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan.
The Legacy Awards, which celebrate Black Canadian talent, will return for a fourth edition and the previously announced “Locals Welcome,” in which food writer Suresh Doss shines a light on lesser-known eateries, premieres this fall.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.
