Image: The Canadian Press / Former B.C. Premier John Horgan has died at the age of 65, according to The Canadian Press.

By The Canadian Press

Former B.C. Premier dies

Former B.C. Premier John Horgan has died

Nov 12, 2024 | 11:32 AM

VICTORIA – Ambassador to Germany and former British Columbia premier John Horgan has died at the age of 65, after his third bout with cancer.

Horgan served as B.C.’s New Democrat premier for five years before stepping down in 2022, then was appointed ambassador last year.

But in June, Horgan announced he was on leave after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Horgan, who served five terms as a member of the provincial legislature, resigned his suburban Victoria seat in March 2023, citing health reasons after he received more than 30 radiation treatments to battle throat cancer. Horgan’s retirement from political life didn’t last long as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named him Canada’s ambassador to Germany in November 2023.

UFV political scientist Hamish Telford says Horgan accomplished a rarity in politics: he left office more popular than when he was first elected.

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B.C. Premier David Eby issued a statement Tuesday expressing grief over the passing of his predecessor.

“The news of John Horgan’s passing this morning in Victoria leaves us with heavy hearts,” Premier Eby said. “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.

Premier Eby said the flag at the Parliament Buildings will be lowered to half-mast in honour of John Horgan, and opportunities for British Columbians to offer their condolences will be shared with the public.

“We will be working with John’s family and the office of protocol to announce the timing of services to mark the passing of John Horgan,” Premier Eby said.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on Nov. 12, 2024.