Royal Roads University in View Royal, BC, will award acclaimed journalist and author Carol Off with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at its Spring 2026 Convocation this June. The honorary doctorate is the university’s highest honour, recognizing individuals of exceptional merit who reflect the school’s values of caring, creativity and courage.
Off is best known for her nearly 16 years as co-host of CBC Radio’s As It Happens, where she conducted more than 25,000 interviews before stepping down in February 2022. Her career has also included documentary reporting for The National, with assignments across the Middle East, the Balkans, Afghanistan and the former Soviet Union.
Royal Roads University highlighted Off’s impact as a storyteller and her dedication to exploring complex issues. “The Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, is the university’s highest honour awarded to people of merit who reflect Royal Roads University’s vision and values, and have achieved a significant record of success and community service,” according to the university’s honorary doctorate page.
Off is the award-winning author of five narrative non-fiction books, with a sixth scheduled for release in October 2026. Her 2024 book At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage became an instant number one Canadian bestseller. Her memoir All We Leave Behind: A Reporter’s Journey into the Lives of Others won the BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction. She has also received a Gemini Award, the John Drainie Award and a Gabriel Award for her journalism.
Before the convocation, Off spoke at a sold-out Changemakers Speakers Series event at the university in May 2026, where she encouraged the audience to help shape what she called a “new Canada.” She has previously received honorary degrees from Western University and the Royal Military College of Canada.
