A renowned Canadian journalist, author, and playwright, known for his investigative reporting and literary works that explored Canadian politics and society.
Peter Hullett Desbarats, OC, was a Canadian author, playwright, and journalist who left an indelible mark on the nation's literary and journalistic landscape. As a renowned figure in Canadian media, he was known for his illustrious career spanning over three decades, during which he worked as a print and television journalist, dean of journalism at the University of Western Ontario, and a commissioner in the Somalia Inquiry.
Born on July 2, 1933, in Montreal, Quebec, Desbarats was the descendant of Georges-Édouard Desbarats, a prominent printer and publisher. He grew up in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood of Montreal, where he attended Loyola High School.
Desbarats' career in journalism began as a copy boy with the Canadian Press in Montreal, followed by stints as a political reporter and foreign correspondent for the Montreal Star and national affairs columnist for the Toronto Star. In the 1960s and early 1970s, he hosted the supper-hour news and current affairs show on Montreal television station CBMT, and later co-anchored and served as Ottawa Bureau Chief for the Global Television Network.
Throughout his career, Desbarats wrote 13 books, including the bestselling biography René: A Canadian in Search of Country, which explored the life of René Lévesque, and Somalia Cover-Up: A Commissioner's Journal, a gripping account of his experiences on the Somalia Inquiry. His book, Guide to Canadian News Media, became a standard journalism text, and he also penned several children's books and a stage play, Her Worship, which premiered in 2002.
Desbarats' impressive body of work earned him the 1977 ACTRA Award for best news broadcaster. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian journalism and literature, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1995.
Throughout his career, Desbarats was driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence in journalism. He believed in the power of the media to shape public discourse and hold those in power accountable. His writings and teachings reflected his conviction that journalism should be a force for good, promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice.
Desbarats was married to actress Hazel, and the couple resided in a heritage home in the East Woodfield Heritage Conservation District in London, Ontario. He passed away on February 11, 2014, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Peter Desbarats' remarkable career and contributions have left an enduring impact on Canadian journalism and literature. His commitment to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility continues to inspire generations of journalists, writers, and scholars. As a testament to his legacy, the University of Western Ontario's journalism school, which he so vigorously championed, remains a beacon of excellence in Canadian journalism education.
As a celebrated figure in Canadian media, Peter Desbarats' life and work continue to serve as a shining example of dedication, passion, and commitment to the pursuit of truth and excellence in journalism.
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