Erica Johnson joins CBC's Go Public reporting team

CBC investigative journalist Erica Johnson is joining the Go Public reporting team beginning in February.

Johnson will bring her strong consumer reporting skills, honed as host of the CBC program Marketplace for the past 15 years, to the Go Public segment which airs on CBC's radio, TV and digital platforms.

Johnson says she's looking forward to the fast-paced weekly turnaround of stories that come directly from Canadians, and helping them to get answers and results.

"My years of experience on Marketplace make me a great fit for Go Public. It's really satisfying to fight for the little guy and hold corporations and governments to account," she said.

Johnson, who will continue to be based in Vancouver, is joining forces with the current Go Public reporter, Rosa Marchitelli, who is based in Calgary.

She hopes her years of consumer advocacy and the trust she has earned from the public will encourage Canadians to come forward with their stories of injustice.

"We are looking forward to Erica joining the CBC Vancouver news team," said news director Wayne Williams.

"Go Public has gained a solid reputation locally and nationally for strong and trusted investigative stories completely driven by the public. Erica will continue to deliver the high calibre of journalism the audience has come to expect from CBC."

Go Public has produced many award-winning segments, including revelations about temporary foreign workers in the service sector that led to changes in federal legislation.

'Phenomenal' journalist

Johnson is leaving Marketplace, the CBC-TV prime-time investigative consumer show that she joined as a reporter in 2000. She became a host the following year.

Johnson says she is ready for a new challenge.

"My years with Marketplace have been an incredible experience," said Johnson. "I've enjoyed being part of such a driven and dedicated team, and I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue doing investigative, advocacy journalism with the team at Go Public.

"Erica is a phenomenal investigative journalist," says Jennifer McGuire, general manager and editor in chief, CBC News English Services.

"These kinds of moves speak to the diversity of talent and programming at CBC News. We're thrilled for Erica and for CBC Vancouver."