The Life of John Horgan

Photo Credit: Flickr via Wikimedia Commons

Former BC Premier John Horgan died at the age of 65 on Nov. 12 in Victoria, following his third battle with cancer. From modest beginnings to multiple political achievements, Horgan led a remarkable life. 

Born in 1959 in Victoria, Horgan had a hard childhood. His father died when he was 18 months old, leaving him, his mother, and three siblings to rely on community support and financial aid.

In 2005, Horgan entered politics, serving as the BC New Democratic Party (BC NDP) MLA for Malahat-Juan de Fuca. He became party leader in 2014, and led the BC NDP to an election victory in 2017. 

As Premier, Horgan implemented multiple influential policies. He removed tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges, enshrined the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) into BC law, banned corporate political donations in the province, and limited personal political donations to $1,200.

Horgan served as British Columbia’s Premier until he stepped down in 2022 due to cancer complications. After stepping down, he served as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany until his passing. 

Horgan leaves behind his wife, Ellie and, and two sons, Nate and Evan.

“The well being of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him. He was surrounded by family, friends and love in his final days,” said a statement released by his family following his death.