John Horgan, one of the most popular premiers in B.C.’s history and the current Canadian ambassador to Germany, has died after his third bout with cancer. He was 65.
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According to a statement from his family, Horgan died Tuesday at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital “surrounded by family, friends, and love in his final days.”
“Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father and Friend, John Horgan,” the brief note read. “The wellbeing of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him.”
“Live Long and Prosper,” read the sign off, a nod to Horgan’s much-publicized fondness for the Star Trek franchise.
Horgan was best known for the confidence-and-supply deal he struck with the B.C. Greens in 2017 that allowed his NDP to return to government after 16 years of B.C. Liberal rule. The agreement brought an end to Christy Clark’s run as premier, even though she had won the most seats in that year’s election.
Horgan later called a snap election in the fall of 2020 that resulted in a historic NDP majority government.
Notable policy achievements include the removal of tolls on the Golden Ears and Port Mann bridges, the elimination of MSP premiums and the push to create $10-a-day child care throughout the province.
He also navigated the global pandemic beginning in 2020 and put his faith in Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix to lead the province’s response.
In the summer of 2022, Horgan announced he would be stepping down as premier — his last day was Oct. 21, 2022.
The following month, he was succeeded by Premier David Eby and, a year later, Horgan was appointed Canadian ambassador to Germany.
This past June, it was announced that Horgan would be stepping away from his job in Berlin after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He previously had bladder cancer in 2008 and throat cancer in 2021 but declared in 2022 he was cancer free.
In January 2018, he announced that his brother Pat had died at the age of 71, also due to cancer.
Eby said in a statement that flags at the legislature will be lowered to half-mast and the government will be working with Horgan’s family and the office of protocol on a date and time for a service to mark his passing.
“John loved this province and its people. He sought to address injustice wherever he saw it – using his time in office to help build a better, stronger British Columbia for everyone,” said the premier.
“His achievements are too numerous to mention, but he was a consequential premier at a critical time in our history. He encouraged all of us to strive to be our better selves.”
Horgan is survived by his wife Ellie and his sons Nate and Evan.
The condolences came in quickly on Tuesday, following news of Horgan’s death.
Late Tuesday morning, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim interrupted a city council meeting to remark on the news of Horgan’s death.
“We just want to send our thoughts and our hearts, to his family and his friends, and everyone in the community,” Sim said. “Premier Horgan was a pretty incredible person.”
More to come …