Perspective on CPAC examines world events that matter to Canadians. With dispatches from the field and expert analysis, our guests break down complex global issues and shed light on Canada’s role on the international stage.

Alison Smith is one of Canada’s best known and respected broadcast journalists. As an anchor and reporter for more than three decades, she was a senior award-winning member of the CBC News team. She has reported from every Canadian province and territory and across the globe.

She has hosted a wide range of network TV and radio news programs including The National, CBC News Morning and CBC Radio’s The World at Six. As a live news anchor, reporter and foreign correspondent, some of the stories she has covered include the September 11th attacks, the death of Princess Diana, elections in Israel, South Africa and Mexico and as Washington correspondent, she covered the historic election of US President Barack Obama.

She is a multiple Gemini nominee and has won international recognition for her work including a Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media, a Friendship Award from South African Women for Women, and was named a Woman of Achievement by Hadassah-WIZO Canada. She was educated at the University of British Columbia and Ryerson University. She is also the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Okanagan University College (now UBC Okanagan).