Former B.C. premier John Horgan died Tuesday morning at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria after his third diagnosis of cancer. He was 65.
Horgan was British Columbia’s 36th premier, and held the office from 2017 until 2022, at which point he stepped down after battling cancer for a second time. Horgan was born in Victoria, and served as the MLA for Malahat—Juan de Fuca for four consecutive terms, starting in 2005.
After moving away from provincial politics he was selected to be Canada’s official ambassador to Germany in December 2023. He took a leave from that role in June of this year after being diagnosed with cancer for a third time.
He is survived by his wife, Ellie, and two sons.
The flag at the Parliament Buildings will be lowered to half-mast in honour of Horgan.
Premier David Eby on the passing of John Horgan: “The news of John Horgan’s passing this morning in Victoria leaves us 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.
“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.
Peter Milobar served as the BC Liberal/BC United Party member for Kamloops North -Thompson MLA for two terms. Five of those years were served when Horgan was Premier. “Certainly very sad news. Thoughts and condolences to his family, and I don’t think anyone would ever doubt, regardless of where he stood on the political spectrum, whether John Horgan had what he felt was the best interest of British Columbia in his mind at all times. A lifetime of public service and and trying to do what he felt was right for the province. Those are rare qualities to see in somebody, and certainly a big loss for BC.”
Miobar worked on the opposite side of the legislature and says they had they had their fair share of sparring moments. “Both of us crossed swords quite a bit in the in the legislature. I tended to get under his skin pretty quickly. But, after the question period or whatever was over, he always could tell there was a mutual respect there in terms of both of us trying to advance that we felt was the right way to go.
“Could always understand where his thought process was and why he was holding true to what he was thinking and was what he wanted to see implemented for the province.”
BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau says she is deeply saddened to hear of John Horgan’s passing. “John dedicated his life to serving our province. He loved British Columbia and its people dearly. Under his leadership, B.C. saw the introduction of UNDRIP, $10 a day childcare, the Clean BC climate plan, and many other initiatives and policies that were focused on long-term solutions for the province.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones as they process this terrible loss.”
