Former B.C. premier John Horgan has died following a battle with cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
The 65-year-old has been in the hospital for much of the past five months after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in June.
The long-time politician was living in Berlin with his wife Ellie while serving as Canada’s ambassador to Germany. He died at the BC Cancer Centre in Victoria, B.C. at Royal Jubilee Hospital after returning to the province for end-of-life care.
His family said they received news last week that the cancer had spread through Horgan’s body and his family was with him on Tuesday when he passed.
“The well-being of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him,” a statement from Horgan’s family reads.
“He was surrounded by friends, family and live in his final days.”
Horgan’s rise to national prominence came following the results of the 2017 election, where Horgan and the NDP won 41 of the BC Legislature’s 87 seats.
After striking a deal with the BC Greens, who had won three seats, Horgan formed a government and defeated former BC Liberal leader Christy Clark in a confidence vote.
Following the opportunity to form government, Horgan served as B.C.’s premier from July 2017 until October 21, 2022.
In the first term in office, Horgan put in place significant affordability measures including removing the Medical Service Premium plan fees, removing tolls on two Metro Vancouver bridges and increasing social assistance.
After much consideration, Horgan determined the controversial Site C dam was past the point of no return and the province moved ahead with the electricity production project. He opposed the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion but eventually was forced off the opposition after the federal government purchased the pipeline.
Horgan was one of the most popular premiers in British Columbia’s history, often having popularity ratings well above 60 per cent largely due to his management of the COVID-19 pandemic and work dealing with affordability issues.
One key decision for Horgan’s government was allowing chief medical health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix to make health-related decisions due to the pandemic.
Following frustrations over governing with a minority, Horgan called an early election in the fall of 2020. The NDP won a party record 57 seats including picking up seats in Richmond, parts of the Fraser Valley and the interior for the first time in the party’s history.
Horgan was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2021, while serving as premier, and underwent 35 sessions of radiation at the Victoria Cancer Clinic.
He stepped down as premier in 2022 stating at the time the ongoing cancer treatment had taken a physical toll on him but did not blame the disease for this decision to leave electoral politics.
First elected in 2005, Horgan served in various roles in opposition representing his home of Langford and surrounding areas. After losing his bid for party leadership, Horgan won the NDP leadership contest in 2014.
Horgan had two grown sons, Nate and Evan.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his sadness in a statement and said Horgan guided B.C. through some of its most challening times.
“John embodied kindness and courage,” Trudeau said. “He was a fighter. He will be celebrated for his leadership and the progress he made on so many important issues. Above all, we will remember how John made us feel. His warmth. His positivity. His ability to connect with people irrespective of their politics or beliefs.”
B.C. Premier David Eby, who took over from Horgan, said the news leaves British Columbians with heavy hearts.
“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,” Eby said in a statement.
“His many accomplishments as premier will be felt for years and generations to come. 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.
“We share our sadness and grief with his beloved wife, Ellie, with whom he shared 45 years of adventure. It was not time enough. Ellie is in our thoughts and prayers, as are his sons Evan and Nate, the rest of his family and his many, many friends.”
Eby said the flag at the Parliament Buildings would be lowered to half-mast in honour of Horgan, and opportunities for British Columbians to offer their condolences will be shared with the public.
Details about the service will be announced in the coming days.
In a press conference shortly after the news of Horgan’s passing was announced, Eby said his mentor and friend made many British Columbians think differently about politics and politicians.
“He was accessible,” Eby said. “He was fun and funny and he was called Premier Dad and rightly so for myself.
“He was a coach and a mentor. He was an inspiration to me. He had advice when I needed it. He conducted himself with the utmost integrity, and he brought a spirit of fun to his work that was infectious.
“And, you know, many of you will remember, too, he had a bit of a temper from time to time. And if you hadn’t been yelled at by John Horgan, then you hadn’t truly worked with him. I truly worked with John Horgan.”
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said Horgan “Was an incredible leader and a dear friend — a pillar of our movement — who made life better for working people. John always put the needs of others first. I am heartbroken to lose him. Rest in peace my friend.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre posted on Facebook that he is sending “heartfelt condolences” the Horgan’s family and loved ones.
“On behalf of Canada’s common sense Conservatives, we wish peace and comfort in this time of loss for all his loved ones,” he said.
Former B.C. premier Christy Clark said on social media that “Public life takes every ounce of your attention, of your heart, and of your time. There is no doubt that Horgan’s commitment to British Columbia and his dedication to public service have left an enduring legacy.”
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, who worked closely with Horgan during the COVID-19 pandemic, was holding a press conference when she was asked about Horgan’s passing.
“I’m just grateful that he was able to make it home,” she said.
“I’ve been in touch with him on and off over the last little while and I know it was a very challenging diagnosis and that he’d been ill for some time, so making it back home is really important.”
BC Green leader Sonia Furstenau issued a statement saying under Horgan’s leadership, B.C. saw the introduction of UNDRIP, $10 a day childcare, the Clean BC climate plan and many other initiatives.
Former BC Green MLA Adam Olsen also said in a statement that Horgan will be remembered as a leader who worked hard every day for the people of B.C.
“B.C. is a better place for having had him as premier,” Olsen said.
BC Conservative leader John Rustad said he is “deeply saddened” about Horgan’s passing.
“Throughout the years, I had the opportunity to interact with John on numerous occasions,” Rustad said.
“His approachable nature and willingness to engage in open dialogue were qualities that I admired greatly. He had a way of making everyone feel heard, regardless of their stance or background.
“John’s dedication to his family and friends was evident to all who knew him. He carried himself with a humility and kindness that transcended the political arena. His sense of humor and affable personality made conversations with him enjoyable, even when we stood on opposite sides of an issue.
“On behalf of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, I extend my heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. John will be remembered not just for his role in politics, but for the genuine and compassionate man he was.
“He will be greatly missed, and his legacy as a good man who cared deeply for others will live on. #bcpoli”
BC United leader Kevin Falcon said despite their political differences, he and Horgan “enjoyed our legislative battles, but also our lighthearted jokes in the hallways. Our collective Irish heritage may have worked in our favour.”
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said the flag at Surrey City Hall and all civic facilities will be at half-mast in Horgan’s honour.
“He was a leader that had the uncanny ability to connect with people regardless of political stripe,” Locke said.
“John will be remembered as a true friend to Surrey. My deepest condolences to John’s family.”
Former politician Terry Lake took to X to say he was sad to hear of Horgan’s passing.
“John was tuned in to the electorate and a passionate and good man. He will be missed,” Lake said.
Former politician Bill Tieleman said on X that he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his friend’s death.
“I knew and worked with John in several roles since 1991 – but none more important than BC Premier,” Tieleman wrote.
Bridgitte Anderson with the Vancouver Board of Trade said online that “John was a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to building a better province.
“He was our leader during challenging times, and he continually demonstrated a unique ability to unite diverse perspectives around a common goal. His humour and wit were infectious. He cared deeply about our collective future, and at the heart of his decisions was a determined and profound love and respect for this province.
“My sincere condolences to Ellie, his entire family and countless friends and colleagues. We join all British Columbians in mourning his loss and honoring his contributions to our province. He left us too soon.”