Debra Arbec

Debra Arbec is the host of CBC Montreal News at 6, bringing viewers the local news of the day. Debra’s passion lies in politics and hearing and sharing people’s stories. The program brings a good mix of both, including interviews with newsmakers, politicians, and interesting Montrealers with great stories to tell.  Debra also produces CBC’s Montreal A to V series, taking viewers along as she explores the city’s 19 boroughs.

Over the last few decades, Debra has covered many of the biggest news stories in the province. Here at CBC, that included co-moderating the first and only televised English provincial leaders' debate, in 2018. Debra was behind the anchor desk during the election night shooting at the Parti Quebecois victory rally, the devastating Lac Megantic train disaster, the floods of 2017 and 2019 and of course, the pandemic.

In 2024, Debra won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Local Anchor after three previous nominations. She has also received several RTDNA awards for her reporting. After a months-long investigation, Debra broke the story about how the Montreal-based UN aviation agency ICAO, tried to cover up a 2016 cyberattack. The story won her a nomination for a CAJ award, which recognizes the best in Canadian investigative journalism. When she is not working, Debra is likely travelling, hiking, running, or playing tennis. She is also mom to her awesome adopted golden retriever, Carlton.