Caryn Lieberman is one of Ontario’s most recognizable faces reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic as a broadcast journalist at Global News. You might have seen her out in the field on your TV, covering everything from breaking news to crime stories. We chatted with Lieberman about how she met her husband, Brian Lafleche, as a news intern in Montreal, and their eventual move to Toronto.
How they met
I was a waitress at a Montreal hot spot for several years while also interning at Global News. Brian’s friends were “regulars,” and one time, he joined them for dinner. Then he also became a regular patron at the supper club.
The first date
Brian came to ask me out one night and loitered for quite some time. He finally worked up the courage, if you will, to come and ask for my number. We made plans to go out soon after for sushi. There was a small restaurant close to where I worked, and we had a lovely dinner there. We chatted and got to know each other, but it was otherwise quite uneventful!
The courtship
We would both agree and we still laugh about the fact that Brian had to chase me down and really put me on the spot. After a few dates, he finally asked me point blank whether I would like to continue to see him and pursue a relationship or not. I was actually very impressed with how upfront and honest he was, so I decided: “I’m in!”
The proposal
We were living in Toronto by that point, having moved together from Montreal and Quebec City. Brian made up a story about how his father had won a weekend in Mont Tremblant at the beautiful Quintessence Hotel. We arrived at Pearson International Airport and the flight was delayed. He seemed a bit concerned so I had a feeling something was up. The whole time, Brian was very nonchalant about our carry-on suitcases. I remember thinking, “I really hope there isn’t an engagement ring in his bag, because he’s not watching it very closely.” We arrived at our destination, and on the porch with a picture perfect view, he proposed.
The wedding
We were married in our home city of Montreal at Bice Restaurant, which is now called Ristorante Beatrice on Sherbrooke Street West. It was the most beautiful, intimate wedding on June 28, 2009. We were married by a justice of the peace under a “chuppah” and our ceremony incorporated Jewish prayers and customs as I am Jewish and Brian is Catholic. We went on our honeymoon a few months later to Greece, where we spent time in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.
The kids
We are blessed to have two amazing children. Our daughter, Jada, is almost 8 years old, and our son, Ashton, just turned 5.
Balancing career and marriage
The pandemic has certainly challenged us in many ways. Brian used to travel a lot, but has not in a long time. It helps having him home, however he is often on conference calls, and I face daily deadlines and have to go out into the field for TV shoots, so it is definitely difficult. We talk most mornings about what our plans are for the day, who can supervise remote learning, who can make lunch, etc. Most days, like other families, I wonder how we managed it all! In terms of our careers, though, we always support each other. Brian knows how much I love what I do and respects me for it.
Secret of success
Respect, love and laughter. Brian makes me laugh every day. We are best friends. I could not imagine my life without him.
