JOHN Horgan, who was British Columbia’s premier from 2017 to 2022, has died at the age of 65.

Horgan, who was serving as Canada’s ambassador to Germany, was diagnosed with cancer for a third time last June in Berlin.

He is survived by his wife, Ellie, and their two sons.

In a statement, Horgan’s family said: “Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father and Friend, John Horgan. John passed away peacefully this morning at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. The wellbeing of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him. He was surrouned by family, friends, and love in his final days. Ellie and the rest of John’s family ask for privacy during this time of mourning.

“Live Long and Prosper.”

(Horgan was a Star Trek fan.)

Horgan was first elected to the British Columbia Legislature in 2005, representing the constituency of Malahat—Juan de Fuca. He was re-elected four times, held numerous critic portfolios, and served as the opposition House Leader. In 2014, he was elected Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (BC NDP), and in 2017, became Premier. In 2020, he led the BC NDP to a historic win with more seats in the legislature than it had ever won before.

Prior to his election, Horgan worked in the House of Commons in Ottawa and for the B.C. Government. He served as lead negotiator on the Columbia Basin Trust and helped negotiate the Columbia River Treaty, a water management agreement with the United States of America. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Premier of British Columbia, Dan Miller, and worked as an Associate Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Finance, with a specific focus on energy projects. Horgan worked at Columbia Power, advancing clean energy initiatives such as the repowering of the Keenleyside and Brilliant dams. Horgan then co-founded Ideaworks, a consulting company that helped community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and small businesses manage government processes.

Horgan stepped down as Premier in 2022.

In November 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Horgan’s appointment as ambassador to Germany.

Horgan was born and raised in Victoria, B.C. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University in 1983 and a Master of Arts from the University of Sydney in 1986.

Horgan visited The VOICE office several times. He will be deeply missed by all at The VOICE.

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of John Horgan, the former Premier of British Columbia.

“John was a firm believer in the ideals of public service. He saw it as a privilege, as a way to help others and make our country better. At every opportunity he was given, he served Canadians with a tenacity, passion, and dedication that very few could match.

“As Premier, John guided British Columbia through the COVID–19 pandemic, unprecedented floods, and wildfires. He championed the economy and clean energy. He tirelessly advocated for workers. He advanced meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. He had an abiding faith in Canadians and in our capacity to care for one another.

“After his 17 years in political office, last year, John became Canada’s Ambassador to Germany. In this role, just like his others, he built bridges between communities and radiated an infectious positivity that was inherent to who he was. I can’t think of anyone better to represent Canada and Canadians.

“John embodied kindness and courage. He was a fighter. 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. His ability to connect with people irrespective of their politics or beliefs.

“John leaves behind a profound legacy that will inspire us for generations to come. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Ellie, their two sons, Nate and Evan, and all who loved him.”

PREMIER David Eby said in a statement: “The news of John Horgan’s passing this morning in Victoria leaves us 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.

“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.

“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.”

BC Conservative Leader John Rustad said in a statement posted on X: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Horgan. 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. John’s dedication to his family and friends was evident to all who knew him. He carried himself with a humility and kindness that transcended the political arena. His sense of humor and affable personality made conversations with him enjoyable, even when we stood on opposite sides of an issue.

“On behalf of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, I extend my heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. John will be remembered not just for his role in politics, but for the genuine and compassionate man he was. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy as a good man who cared deeply for others will live on.”

SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement: “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. My deepest condolences to John’s family. In honour of his memory, the flag will be flown at half mast at Surrey City Hall and all civic facilities.”

VANCOUVER Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement posted on X: “Today, we lost former Premier John Horgan, who dedicated his life to British Columbia. John led with integrity and his commitment to the people of this province, his compassion, and his sense of humour will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. John, thank you for your long dedicated service to Vancouver and our province.’

THE BC Federation of Labour said in a statement: “This morning, British Columbians lost one of the staunchest allies we have ever had. 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 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.

“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.

“On behalf of working people throughout BC, we extend our deepest condolences to Ellie and his sons, and our thanks for sharing him with the people of British Columbia. Our province is a better, fairer and stronger place for all of us because of John Horgan, and we will always be grateful.”