Heidi Petracek

Global National Atlantic Correspondent

Heidi Petracek started her career as a television news reporter in her home province of Saskatchewan, before moving on to work in Calgary, Toronto, Corner Brook, St. John’s and Halifax.

In October 2023, the highly respected journalist joined Global National as its Atlantic correspondent.

Originally from a farming community, Heidi moved to Newfoundland in 2000 and then later to Halifax in 2004, the place she now calls home.

Over her more than 20-year career, she has worked in both radio and television as a journalist, host, anchor, producer, writer, and researcher.

She’s reported on many key events in Canada – from federal elections and floods to aftermath of the collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery, Canada’s role immediately following the 9/11 attacks, the 2014 Moncton shooting of five RCMP officers, and Hurricane Fiona’s destruction in 2022.

Heidi reported on the worst mass shooting in recent Canadian history in 2020, in which 22 people, including a pregnant mother, were killed by a gunman in Nova Scotia. Her stories included key questions raised by family members of the victims over the RCMP response, communications, and investigation into the massacre, along with their push for a federal inquiry. She spent most of 2022 covering the resulting Mass Casualty Commission, including the delivery of its final report in March 2023.

She is an engaged communicator who loves talking to people, interviewing hundreds of people including Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis, Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell, baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar and Col. Chris Hadfield. Heidi has also had the privilege of interviewing countless Canadians with compelling personal stories to share, often at the most difficult points in their lives.

When she’s not working, she enjoys kayaking with her husband, playing with her dog and cat, cooking, and taking photos.