Former B-C 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 and later resigned his suburban Victoria seat in the legislature, citing health reasons, after receiving more than 30 radiation treatments to battle throat cancer.
Horgan was appointed as Canada’s ambassador to Germany last year, but in June, he announced his leave from the position after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and a government source has confirmed his death.
Political scientist Hamish Telford, who teaches at the University of the Fraser Valley says Horgan accomplished a rarity in politics — he left office more popular than when he was first elected
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, calling Horgan a dedicated public servant and a fighter who guided B.C. through the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises.
Flags at the legislature have been lowered, and a public memorial is planned to honor Horgan’s legacy.
