Former British Columbia premier John Horgan has died at the age of 65, after his third bout with cancer.
Horgan, who was appointed ambassador to Germany last year, died at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends in his final days, according to family.
The flag at the B.C. legislature will be lowered to half-mast and British Columbians will be offered an opportunity to express their condolences, with details expected to be released after the premier’s office works with Horgan’s family and the office of protocol.
Horgan served as B.C. premier for five years before stepping down in November 2022.
In June, Horgan announced he was on leave from his ambassador position after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Horgan, who previously survived a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2021 and bladder cancer in 2008, had remained confident he would “live long and prosper,” using the Vulcan salute and phrase made popular in the 1960s TV series Star Trek.
It’s the same blessing his family used in a statement Tuesday following news of his death.
“Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, John Horgan,” said the statement released by Sheena McConnell, his former press secretary and a family friend.
“The well being of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him.”
Premier David Eby, who took over after Horgan announced he would step down as premier in the fall of 2022, said in a statement that the news of Horgan’s passing has left everyone with heavy hearts.
The former premier sought to address injustice wherever he saw it, Eby said.
“John loved this province and its people,” he said. “His many accomplishments as premier will be felt for years and generations to come.
“Ellie [Horgan] is in our thoughts and prayers, as are his sons Evan and Nate, the rest of his family and his many, many friends.”
Ellie Horgan and the rest of Horgan’s family asked for privacy on Tuesday.
Horgan, who sat in Opposition starting in 2005, was acclaimed NDP leader in 2014.
Three years later, the NDP was elected, propped up by a power-sharing agreement with the B.C. Greens that saw the B.C. Liberals ousted after 16 years in government.
Horgan broke the agreement in 2020 with a snap election in which the NDP won a majority.
Horgan regularly polled amongst the most popular premiers in Canada.
