[3] She worked for CBC News from 1981[4] to 2021[5] in roles including national correspondent at the Quebec Legislature[4] and the Ottawa Parliamentary Bureau.

[6] Mesley enrolled in the journalism program at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute but left before completing her degree, though she later obtained a diploma.

[9] In 2004, Mesley hosted a 13-part series called The Greatest Canadian,[10] and between 2007 and 2008, she co-hosted four episodes of Test the Nation, with Brent Bambury,[11][12][13][14] and one with Ron MacLean,[15] which all aired on CBC.

[16] In January 2018, she started hosting a new Sunday morning talk show on politics and media, titled The Weekly with Wendy Mesley".

[20] Additionally, in 2006, she was bestowed with the prestigious John Drainie Award by ACTRA, in recognition of her significant contributions to Canadian broadcasting.

[21][8] In 2017, Mesley was the recipient of a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host or Interviewer in a News or Information Program or Series.

[9] Following a series of treatments, including two lumpectomies, chemotherapy, and radiation,[23] Mesley resumed her full-time position at CBC in March 2006, albeit under the ongoing care of an oncologist.

[23] During her treatment period, Mesley also undertook the filming of a documentary, titled Chasing the Cancer Answer, which aired in March 2006.