John Horgan, shown in a photo taken in 2022 by Ben Nelms for CBC.
John Horgan, the former premier of British Columbia, passed away at 65. CBC confirmed the news of his death. Horgan, who was serving as Canada’s ambassador to Germany, stepped down earlier this year to seek care back home in Victoria after learning that his throat cancer had returned for the third time. His wife, Ellie, and their two sons, Evan and Nate, survive him.
Sheena McConnell, Horgan’s former press secretary and longtime friend, shared the family's statement on X, noting that he died peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. The heartfelt message expressed the family’s sorrow and ended with a nod to Horgan’s passion for Star Trek: "Live long and prosper."
Horgan, remembered as a genuine and caring leader, left a lasting impact on British Columbia’s political landscape. His friend and colleague, Mike Farnworth, who had known him for 36 years, praised Horgan as extraordinary. Farnworth fondly shared memories of Horgan’s friendly and relatable nature, saying he had a way of connecting with everyone, regardless of their political beliefs.
Born and raised in Victoria, Horgan’s early years were shaped by loss; his father passed away when he was an infant, and his mother brought him up. He studied history at Trent University, where he met Ellie, and later completed a master's degree in Australia. After a brief stint working on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Horgan found his calling in politics. He entered the B.C. Legislature in 2005 and led the NDP from 2014. By 2017, he was premier, serving until 2022 when health issues prompted his resignation.
During his leadership, Horgan worked to eliminate medical premiums and encouraged B.C. to recognize the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also led the province through major events like wildfires, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the worsening drug crisis. Marilyn Slett, chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, recalled his compassionate visits, especially during the 2016 tugboat spill that impacted her community.
Horgan’s authentic nature resonated even with political rivals. Former premier Christy Clark admired his dedication, acknowledging their differences but calling him a devoted public servant who handled challenges, including the pandemic, with skill. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who appointed Horgan as ambassador to Germany in 2023, described him as passionate and tenacious, always believing in collective progress.
In his earlier years, Horgan battled bladder cancer in 2008 and again faced cancer in 2021. He shared his hope and resilience publicly, saying he intended to "live long and prosper," despite his diagnosis.
Premier David Eby called Horgan’s time in office transformative and full of heart. He recounted stories of Horgan’s mentorship and even his moments of humour, like turning a mishap at a press conference into a light-hearted moment. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon shared how Horgan comforted his son by visiting and playing with him, reinforcing the values of public service.
Horgan’s approachable, candid personality defined him. His legacy includes not just his policies but also his warmth and the personal connections he made, earning him the affectionate nickname
