Celebrating Peter Mansbridge's 25 years hosting The National

Below is a transcript of the comments made by Jennifer McGuire, General Manager and Editor in Chief, CBC News and Centres, at a celebration of Peter Mansbridge's 25 years hosting The National.

Peter Mansbridge started hosting The National when Ifirst started at the CBC, 25 years ago. It's a phenomenal achievement and we'vebeen lucky to have him guiding Canadians through momentous world events.

Two Gulf Wars, Kosovo, Tiananmen Square, TheReferendum, The fall of the Berlin Wall, several prime ministers and governorgenerals. I could go on and on.

He's the most recognized CBC personality in thecountry. He works unbelievably hard as an ambassador for CBC News and for CBC.Canadians recognize him and trust him. And he always makes time forCanadians.  

Those of us who work with him day to day also get towitness just how incredible he is as a journalist.  This year has been a banner year for CBCNews. And there have been many broken stories that would not have happenedwithout Peter digging in, working the phone and his contacts.  Most recently he was integral in uncoveringthe Canadians connected to the Algeria bombing.

So he is our anchor and our chief correspondent inevery sense of the word. The fire for journalism and for public broadcastingburns brightest in Peter. He is passionate and tireless. And serves as aninspiration and a coach to us all.

So today we take a moment to say thank you toPeter.  Thank you for his talent andcommitment. Thank you for 40 years of service at the CBC and 25 years anchoringThe National.