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Chantal Hébert

Chantal Hébert is a Canadian political journalist and commentator known for her coverage of federal politics and Quebec affairs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chantal Hébert is a Canadian political journalist and commentator known for her coverage of federal politics and Quebec affairs. She writes for the Toronto Star and appears regularly on CBC/Radio-Canada political programs in English and French. Her work has earned major Canadian journalism and public-service honours.

Early life and education

Chantal Hébert was born in Ottawa in 1954 and spent much of her childhood in Hull, now part of Gatineau. She studied at Glendon College, York University.

Journalism career

Hébert started in journalism at Radio-Canada in 1975 and later worked on Parliament Hill for multiple outlets. Her career has focused on federal politics, Quebec politics, and national affairs.

Broadcast and print commentary

She is widely known as a political columnist for the Toronto Star and a guest columnist for Le Devoir and L’actualité. She also appears regularly on CBC and Radio-Canada political analysis programs.

Honours and recognition

Hébert has received major recognition for her work, including the Hyman Solomon Award and appointments as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec.

Key facts

  • Chantal Hébert is a Canadian political journalist and commentator covering federal politics and Quebec affairs.
  • She writes for the Toronto Star and contributes to Le Devoir and L’actualité.
  • She is a regular panelist on CBC’s At Issue on The National.
  • She authored the 2007 book French Kiss: Stephen Harper’s Blind Date with Quebec.
  • She has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec.
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Canadian context

Hébert is a prominent Canadian political commentator whose work shapes public discussion of federal politics, Quebec politics, and national affairs across English- and French-language media.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chantal Hébert known for?
She is known for political journalism and commentary on Canadian federal politics and Quebec affairs.
Where does Chantal Hébert write?
She writes for the Toronto Star and contributes as a guest columnist to Le Devoir and L’actualité.
What television program is she associated with?
She is a regular panelist on CBC’s At Issue on The National.
What book did Chantal Hébert write?
She wrote French Kiss: Stephen Harper’s Blind Date with Quebec, published in 2007.
What honours has she received?
She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and an Officer of the National Order of Quebec.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chantal_H%C3%A9bert
    Supports: Basic biographical details; birth year; career overview; book title; honours
  2. Fondation Pierre Elliott Trudeau — https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca/repertoire/chantal-hebert/
    Supports: Career roles, media appearances, education, honours, and publication
  3. Ordre national du Québec — https://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=4160
    Supports: Career significance, journalism background, recognition, and appointment to the National Order of Quebec
  4. Radio-Canada — https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/metier-journaliste/segments/entrevue/123618/chantal-hebert-politique-entrevue-metier-journaliste
    Supports: Birthplace, early career, and background as a political journalist
  5. Penguin Random House — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/74323/chantal-hebert/
    Supports: Current roles, education, and book authorship