Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies following battle with cancer

Former British Columbia Premier John Horgan has passed away following a battle with cancer, his family confirmed on Tuesday.

The 65-year-old had been hospitalized for much of the last five months after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in June. Horgan had been 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 that they learned last week that the cancer had spread throughout his body, and they were with him when he passed on Tuesday.

A statement from Horgan’s family described his dedication: “The well-being of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him. He was surrounded by friends, family and love in his final days.”

Horgan rose to national prominence in 2017 when his New Democratic Party (NDP) won 41 of the 87 seats in the BC Legislature. After striking a deal with the BC Greens, who held three seats, he formed a government, defeating former BC Liberal leader Christy Clark in a confidence vote. He served as Premier of British Columbia from July 2017 until October 21, 2022.

During his first term, Horgan introduced several key measures aimed at improving affordability, including removing the Medical Service Premium plan fees, removing tolls on two Metro Vancouver bridges, and increasing social assistance. After much debate, he decided to move ahead with the controversial Site C dam, despite earlier opposition. He also opposed the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, though the project proceeded after the federal government bought the pipeline.

Horgan was one of the most popular premiers in the province’s history, with approval ratings often exceeding 60%, largely due to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to address affordability issues. One of the defining decisions of his government was allowing BC’s chief medical officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Health Minister Adrian Dix to make health-related decisions during the pandemic.

In 2020, after frustrations with governing with a minority, Horgan called an early election, leading the NDP to a historic 57-seat victory.

Horgan had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2021 while serving as Premier and underwent extensive radiation treatment. He stepped down from his role in 2022, citing the physical toll of ongoing cancer treatments, but clarified that his decision was not directly due to the disease.

A veteran politician, Horgan first entered public service in 2005, representing his home area of Langford. After initially losing his bid for NDP leadership, he won the leadership in 2014. Horgan is survived by his two grown sons, Nate and Evan.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed sorrow over Horgan’s passing, highlighting his leadership during difficult times. “John embodied kindness and courage. He was a fighter,” Trudeau said. “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.”

B.C. Premier David Eby, who succeeded Horgan, said the news left 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. He added that flags at the Parliament Buildings would be lowered to half-mast in Horgan’s honor.

Eby also spoke at a press conference following Horgan’s death, reflecting on how Horgan made many British Columbians think differently about politics. “He was accessible, fun, and funny,” Eby said. “He was called Premier Dad and rightly so. He was a coach, a mentor, and an inspiration to me. He had advice when I needed it. He conducted himself with the utmost integrity.”

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also paid tribute, calling Horgan “an incredible leader and a dear friend.” Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre extended condolences, as did former B.C. Premier Christy Clark, who described Horgan’s dedication to public service as leaving an enduring legacy.

BC Green leader Sonia Furstenau recognized Horgan's work on initiatives such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), $10-a-day childcare, and the Clean BC climate plan. BC Conservative leader John Rustad expressed admiration for Horgan’s approachable nature and dedication to his family and friends.

Other leaders and former politicians also shared their condolences, recalling Horgan’s leadership and his ability to unite diverse perspectives. Many described him as a compassionate man who made a lasting impact on B.C. and its people.