Tributes from Tri-City leaders are pouring in following the news that former B.C. premier John Horgan died today, Nov. 12, 2024.
Horgan's family announced his passing this morning at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria after a five-month battle against thyroid cancer.
He was 65.
The Canadian flag at the B.C. Legislature will fly at half mast in honour of the late politician; it will continue to be lowered until the evening of his memorial service, of which the date has yet to be determined.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Horgan for his public service, writing, "He saw it as a privilege, as a way to help others and to make our country better."
"He loved British Columbia," Trudeau wrote. "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."
Newly re-elected Premier David Eby also offered his thoughts, saying Horgan's passing leaves British Columbians with "heavy hearts."
"John loved this province and its people," Eby said. "He sought to address injustice wherever he saw it — using his time in office to help build a better, stronger British Columbia for everyone."
Tri-City MLAs' reaction
The NDP caucus shared the following comments from the MLAs-elect, who will be sworn into office on Thursday, Nov. 14:
- Mike Farnworth, Port Coquitlam:
- “John Horgan loved this province and the people of this province. He was a remarkable person who I shared a 36-year long friendship with. John had an innate ability to connect with people, and I think people instinctively knew he really cared about them. I will miss him, and his legacy and impact on British Columbia is undeniable.”
- Jodie Wickens, Coquitlam–Burke Mountain
- “John Horgan’s passing leaves us all devastated. I had the privilege of serving with him for a short time in opposition, and was always impressed by his strong leadership, his integrity, and the sense of humour he brought to his work. BC is better off thanks to John’s dedication to people and the services they need to build a good life.”
- Rick Glumac, Port Moody–Burquitlam
- “I am heartbroken by this news. I feel so honoured to have had the chance to work alongside John, and watch him be an incredible leader for the province. He always put the greater good first and connected with so many British Columbians of all political stripes. I will miss his guidance and wisdom, and I send deep condolences to Ellie and their children.”
- Jennifer Whiteside, New Westminster–Coquitlam
- “John was a truly incredible leader. I feel privileged to have been a part of his government, and more importantly, to call him a friend. John worked hard every day to make life better for people across our province. He brought to life everything the BC NDP stands for and his legacy will endure for generations."
- Jennifer Blatherwick, Coquitlam–Maillardville
- "John Horgan accomplished so much for BC, and always led with kindness, compassion, and humour. I thank John for the path he paved forward for our government and for the province, and I know that he will be deeply missed by so many British Columbians. He was genuinely interested in people, and never forgot to ask about my family."
Civic comment
Meanwhile, the flags at Coquitlam, PoCo and Port Moody city halls and other civic facilities are being brought to half mast.
"He was a friend to our community and a role model of public service," PoCo Mayor Brad West wrote on social media.
Former independent MLA Selina Robinson (Coquitlam–Maillardville), a cabinet minister who previously worked under Horgan and Eby, told the Tri-City News she's gutted by the loss.
"We lost one of the best human beings I ever met," she wrote. "[He was] a real mensch who was interested in people from all walks of life. [He was] a good friend who was always there for me and stood by me."
And former Coquitlam–Burke Mountain NDP MLA Fin Donnelly, who did not run for re-election last month, called Horgan a "natural leader and an all around great guy."
"Whenever John came to our community, he took the time to listen to people's concerns. I'll always be indebted to John for his support for the Tri-Cities. In fact, one of his last announcements as premier was the funding for the Burke Mountain Secondary–Middle School."
Horgan leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Ellie, and their sons Evan and Nate.
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