John Horgan, former Premier of BC who was serving as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, died on November 12 at the age of 65, after his long battle 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 from his diplomatic post after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Horgan’s family issued a statement on social media saying he died peacefully Tuesday morning at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. “The well-being of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him. He was surrounded by family and friends and love in his final days.”
Horgan is survived by his wife Ellie, and sons Evan and Nate.
Across BC, people are remembering the life of John Horgan. He leaves a significant legacy: he used his time to help build a better, stronger British Columbia for everyone. His many accomplishments will be felt for years and generations to come.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau John Horgan believed in the power of public service. He saw it as a privilege, as a way to help others and to make our country better. “He loved British Columbia. As Premier, he had a tenacity, passion, and dedication for his work that very few could match. Through the pandemic, through wildfires and floods — through everything — he led with courage and warmth. He was a true progressive—a leader on climate action, affordable childcare, and Reconciliation. He championed the economy and clean energy, and he advocated for workers. And he always believed that we would get more done if we worked together.”
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Janet Austin said in a statement, “He brought boundless energy, humour, and a profound sense of purpose to his work — first as an elected official, then as Premier, and more recently in his role as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany. John was unwavering in his commitment to serve, putting the needs of his province first in every decision he made.”
Premier David Eby in a statement 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.
Eby informed that the flag at the Parliament Buildings was lowered to half-mast in honour of John Horgan, and opportunities for British Columbians to offer their condolences were 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,” he said.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke in his statement called Horgan a true friend to Surrey. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Horgan. He was a leader that had the uncanny ability to connect with people regardless of political stripe. John will be remembered as a true friend to Surrey.”
BC Conservative leader John Rustad said that John was not just a colleague in public service but a man of genuine warmth and integrity. “Despite our political differences, I always held a deep respect for him as a person. Throughout the years, I had the opportunity to interact with John on numerous occasions. His approachable nature and willingness to engage in open dialogue were qualities that I admired greatly. He had a way of making everyone feel heard, regardless of their stance or background.”
BC Green Caucus MLAs Rob Botterell and Jeremy Valeriote send their condolences to the family of Horgan. “From his steady hand through the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, to his leadership on Indigenous Reconciliation, Premier Horgan guided our province through many challenges, and BC is better for it. We’re grateful for his many years of service, and send our condolences to all the friends, family, staff and loved ones missing him today,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.
The BC Federation of Labour said that British Columbians lost one of the staunchest allies of Labour. Few can claim anything near John Horgan’s legacy or match the difference he made in the lives of working people and everyday families in this province.
John spent his life in service to working people. He knew first-hand what it means for a family to struggle to get by, how an uncaring government can hold people back — and how a government that has workers’ backs can help.
“A strong and passionate advocate in opposition, he was never content with criticizing; he wanted to make real-world change. He launched his 2017 campaign by saying working people deserve a government on their side. That was his North Star — a statement of solidarity from which he never wavered. And when he saw an opportunity after that election, he threw all his skill and energy into opening the door to that change,” the Federation sent in a statement.
The changes he and his NDP government made have transformed the lives of workers throughout BC. His government took a province at the back of the pack on nearly every measure of worker protection and social justice, and swiftly made British Columbia a national leader.
On paid sick leave, domestic and sexual violence leave, pandemic supports for working people, removing barriers to forming unions, protections for renters, investments in health care and vital social services, employment standards, workplace safety, restoring skilled trades certification, the minimum wage, Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, human rights, slashing costs for families and making sure corporations are paying their fair share, and much more… John Horgan and his government turned BC into the very best place to work in Canada, BDFED said in a statement.
“John Horgan has left us a proud progressive legacy to build on — and he would have been the first to say there is still so much to do. His boldness and determination to make life better for British Columbians should inspire us all to finish that work,” said Rob Cottingham, BCFED.
