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Text of Peter Mansbridge departure statement

Sep 5, 2016 | 9:01 PM

Veteran CBC news correspondent Peter Mansbridge announced Monday night that he will leave the anchor chair of The National next summer. Here is the text of his statement to viewers:

“This next year will mark 30 years since I was named chief correspondent and anchor of the National … a position that’s an honour and a privilege to occupy.

It’s been an amazing time to help chronicle our history, but I’ve decided that this year will be my last one.

I’ve let the CBC know that I’d like to step down from the National next July 1st — shortly after anchoring our very special Canada Day coverage for 2017.

As someone who believes strongly in public broadcasting, leaving the CBC’s flagship won’t be easy, but what’s important is that the National of the future will continue to reflect our world, our country and our people.

There will be more to say about the future in the days to come, but now it’s time to focus on the new season and here at the National we will be doing just that.”

The Canadian Press

©2016 The Canadian Press