Jackie Perez is the face you’ll find everywhere—on your TV, in your community, and courtside at an Ottawa BlackJacks game. As the Community and Weather Anchor for CTV News Ottawa, she delivers stories that matter, whether she’s breaking news or breaking into laughter with locals.
But Jackie’s journey didn’t start in Ottawa. She cut her teeth in Prince Albert, SK, as a community reporter, worked crack-of-dawn shifts as a morning live reporter in Regina, and navigated Calgary’s breaking news as an anchor and video journalist. From covering the Humboldt Broncos tragedy to pandemic reporting across two provinces, Jackie has built a career on curiosity, connection, and a knack for telling stories that stick.
Off the news desk? She’s hosted games for the Toronto Argonauts, picked up a mic as a CEBL sideline reporter, and still brings that game-day energy to everything she does. Born in Manila, raised in Mississauga, and fluent in English (with a side of Tagalog), Jackie proves that you can be everywhere, all at once.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in journalism?
I’ve always been a chatty and curious person, always asking questions and wanting to learn more. I love to write and tell stories across different mediums. I always thought I’d go into print journalism, but it wasn’t until I attended the University of Guelph-Humber that I was introduced to the world of television. I worked on Canadian Idol and CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce, which showed me the work it takes to bring something engaging, fun, and exciting to air.
Can you tell us about your early days at CTV Saskatoon?
Out of university, I worked at Canada’s National Ballet School in digital marketing when social media was still new. Around the same time, I joined the Toronto Argonauts as a cheer captain, leading to a role as their in-game and digital host. I was actually in Ottawa for the Grey Cup Festival in 2017 when I got the call from CTV Saskatoon offering me a job as a community reporter in Prince Albert, SK.
It was Joanne Woo and Peter Angione at CTV Ottawa who encouraged me to pursue it. While it was tough to move away, I’m glad I did.
What lessons did you learn as a morning reporter in Regina and anchor in Calgary?
Since 2017, I’ve lived in five cities and three provinces. Starting in Prince Albert allowed me to hone my skills as a multi-skilled journalist—writing, shooting, editing, and producing newscasts. I was lucky to have a mentor with 40+ years of experience.
Regina taught me what it means to set an alarm for 3 a.m. and start work at dawn (laughs). As the “on-the-go” reporter for CTV Morning Live, I found fun things in the city and shared them live every day from 6–9 a.m. I even got to fly an RCAF Snowbird!
The pandemic happened two months after I moved to Calgary. We learned to adapt and deliver news from home, the studio, and the field—all while I was learning a new city.
What drew you to Ottawa and your new role?
I loved being out west, spending all my time off in the mountains. But the opportunity to be closer to family, especially during the pandemic, was a factor.
The CTV Ottawa newsroom has a lineup of strong journalists and broadcasters. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work alongside and learn from the best.
Which stories have had the most profound impact on you and why?
No matter the story, I’m always reminded: community matters. Everyone has a story—you just have to take the time to pause and listen.
Covering the pandemic in two provinces was very different. The Black Lives Matter vigil in Calgary stands out, as does covering the Humboldt Broncos tragedy just months into my role in P.A. I interviewed family, friends, and coaches connected to the team. These moments taught me how to approach tough stories, but I couldn’t have told them without building strong relationships in the community.
How did your sideline and in-game hosting experiences shape you as a journalist?
I loved every minute as the Toronto Argonauts in-game host—three hours of nonstop energy and organized chaos. Last year, I fulfilled a childhood dream as a basketball sideline reporter for the CEBL’s Ottawa BlackJacks. These experiences contribute to my fun, bubbly personality and love for game days.
What excites you most about your role as Community and Weather Anchor?
The “In the Community” segments are something Ottawa hasn’t seen in a long time. When we’re on location, people are just as excited as we are, showcasing what Ottawa has to offer. Someone recently told me, “Every night we tune in as a family and take a guess where Jackie is today.” I still can’t believe this journey has taken me here and into an anchor role that brings smiles to viewers’ faces.
