Morningside and Peter Gzowski

From Save the CBC, Monday July 13, 2026

For generations of Canadians, Peter Gzowski’s voice was part of the country’s daily rhythm. As host of This Country in the Morning and Morningside, he became one of Canada’s most respected broadcasters, known for thoughtful conversations, genuine curiosity, and an interviewing style that made people feel heard.

Beyond radio, he authored 14 books and helped shape Canada’s public broadcasting tradition by reminding us that the best journalism isn’t just about asking questions. It’s about listening.

His legacy continues to inspire Canadian storytellers and journalists today.

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[Ken Gray] I depended on Peter Gzowski’s voice when I lived in Northern Canada in the early 1980s. As Bob Sharples connected me with British Columbia, Peter Gzowski connected me to almost every part of Canada. I remember his quest after the “Canadian Identity.” I remember his search for the setting — somewhere in the north — where the Duke of Edinburgh was told to keep his fork as “there’s pie coming.” I remember his final show, hosted from Moose Jaw when he was joined by singer-songwriter, Connie Calder. After Connie talked about her favourite Saskatchewan place name, Climax — just down the road from Bounty – he exclaimed: “Connie, this is family radio.”

He was so knowledgeable, so well informed, so curious, so tactful, a gracious interviewer who found the best in his guests. I bought and read many editions of The Morningside Papers. I read him in Macleans. I loved the dramas in the final half hour of his weekday three-hour timeslot. (Can you imagine such an allocation of airtime today?) And I loved him making space for the late Stuart MacLean who commenced his radio journalism in the Ryerson Polytechnic cafeteria.

Before and after each episode, that wonderful tune.

It was all so personal. So Canadian. So gentle. So entertaining. Time moves on, and so do we. But we remember certain personalities who made and make our life rich. Thanks for everything Peter.

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