Peter Kent: Wife, Age, Biography, Career, Children & More

Peter Kent is a retired Canadian journalist and politician who served as a Member of Parliament and held senior cabinet roles, including Minister of the Environment under Stephen Harper. He is also widely recognized for his decades-long career as a foreign correspondent and news anchor.

Peter Kent Age

Peter Kent is 82 years old. He was born on July 27, 1943, in Sussex, England. He was born in a Canadian Army hospital during World War II to Canadian parents serving in the military.

Early Life & Background

Kent was born to Aileen Marie Fears (a Canadian Army nurse) and Arthur Parker Kent (an intelligence officer).

After the war, his family moved to Canada, where he grew up primarily in Alberta, later establishing deep roots in Canadian media and politics.

He also comes from a journalism-oriented family—his brother, Arthur Kent, is a well-known international reporter.

Career

Journalism Career

Before entering politics, Peter Kent had a distinguished journalism career spanning over 40 years:

● Worked with major networks including CBC, CTV, Global TV, and NBC

● Served as an anchor on CBC’s The National

● Covered major global events such as:

The Vietnam War

The fall of the Berlin Wall

Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa

He also held roles as a producer, foreign correspondent, and news executive, earning recognition for his international reporting.

Political Career

Peter Kent transitioned into politics in 2008, when he was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Thornhill.

His key roles include:

● Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Americas) (2008–2011)

● Minister of the Environment (2011–2013)

● Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence

He served as MP until 2021, after which he retired from federal politics.

Wife & Family

Peter Kent is married to Cilla Kent, a former journalist who worked in South Africa’s Argus newspaper group.

Children

The couple has one daughter, Trilby Kent, who is an author. He is also a grandfather, with grandchildren mentioned in official biographies.

Awards & Recognition

● Member of the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame

● Recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Award for journalism

These honors reflect both his impact in journalism and his contribution to public service.

Personal Life & Interests

Actively involved in charitable and community organizations

Has supported institutions such as:

● Canadian Museum for Human Rights

● Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

He has maintained a strong presence in public discourse even after leaving politics.

Conclusion

Peter Kent’s career is a rare blend of high-level journalism and national political leadership. From reporting on some of the world’s most significant events to serving in Canada’s federal cabinet, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and communication.

While many know him as a politician, his legacy is equally shaped by his decades as a respected broadcaster, making him one of the few figures to successfully bridge both media and politics at the highest level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Peter Kent?

Peter Kent is a Canadian politician and former broadcast journalist. He served as a Member of Parliament and previously worked as a news anchor and foreign correspondent.

2. What is Peter Kent known for?

Peter Kent is known for both his journalism career and his role in Canadian politics. He served as Canada’s Minister of the Environment and was a long-time MP representing Thornhill.

3. Is Peter Kent married?

Yes. Peter Kent is married to Cilla Johnson.

4. What political party does Peter Kent belong to?

Peter Kent is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada.

5. What roles has Peter Kent held in government?

Peter Kent served as Minister of the Environment from 2011 to 2013 under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He also held roles such as Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) and was a Member of Parliament for several years.