Former premier John Horgan says he will step down as MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca next month.
Horgan, 63, resigned as B.C.’s 36th premier in November — after he was successfully treated for throat cancer and had recovered from COVID-19 — saying it was time for a generational change. Premier David Eby, 46, took office on Nov. 18.
The former premier, seated beside Eby on Thursday, gave a spirited and emotional speech in the B.C. legislature. He spoke about his time in the building, and shared tales that reached back to his days in Grade 1.
Horgan remembered the close friends he made.
“What an extraordinary opportunity,” he said. “I have tried, over 18 years in this place as an MLA, 30 years working here, 63 years drawing breath, to try and make it better every day for the people around me.
“I want to thank you all for allowing me to say, today, how important that has been for me, for my family and for my community. I loved every minute of it.”
Horgan’s speech was followed by a standing ovation from MLAs. Afterward, Eby, B.C. Liberal house leader Todd Stone and Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau thanked the former premier and spoke about his friendship and service as a politician.
“John from Langford, all British Columbians thank you for your love of our province, your commitment to serving its people best, and thank you for always doing ‘your level best,’ ” said Stone, hearkening back to a phrase often used by the former premier.
Horgan’s wife of 39 years, Ellie, was in the gallery, as were many close friends, including his former press secretary Lindsay Byers.
“Ellie and I have been reflecting on what we can do now with the rest of our days,” Horgan told reporters after his address. “Being part of this institution has been critical to who I am over half a lifetime, but it’s time for me to go and do something else.
“I have work to do in my constituency, managing files dealing with a whole range of other issues, and I’m very much looking forward to that, but the final day, St. Patrick’s Day seems good, but it might be the end of March,” he said. Horgan’s father, who died when Horgan was 18 months old, was Irish.
Horgan said he couldn’t announce his intentions in legislative chamber or it will have immediately triggered his resignation.
He intends to campaign for the NDP candidate who runs in his place. Horgan hasn’t ruled out any political appointments if offered — for example if there’s anything Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “needs me to do” — but said there’s “zero chance” of his running for any kind of office again.
“I’ve got more to do, I guess. I don’t know what that is, I’ll see what happens.”
First elected to the B.C. legislature in 2005 as MLA for Juan de Fuca, Horgan reluctantly became leader of the B.C. NDP in 2014 — acclaimed after Mike Farnworth dropped out of the race — and remained in Opposition until 2017.
After the B.C. Liberals failed to capture a majority in the spring 2017 election, Horgan signed a confidence and supply agreement with the B.C. Greens and formed an NDP minority government. As premier, he called a snap election at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to win a majority government.
Horgan’s popularity has been credited in part due to his everyman appeal. He led the province through a pandemic, historic floods, wildfires and heat waves, and oversaw the elimination of medical services plan premiums, reduction of ICBC rates and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
However, as he left office as premier, an Angus Reid poll indicated respondents were highly dissatisfied with the government’s action on homelessness and drug overdose deaths.
Horgan has cited “regrets,” such as misreading the public mood over the economy with his support for a new $789-million Royal B.C. Museum and its proposed eight-year closure. He cancelled the replacement project and took full responsibility.
Horgan survived bladder cancer in 2008 and in November 2021 had throat cancer diagnosed. He completed radiation treatment in January 2022 with a clean bill of health.
His straight talking was referenced during speeches on Thursday.
Horgan said: “I tried always to just be part of the building. I tried always to just be part of this extraordinary institution where people from different walks of life, different passions, different perspectives, come here, proud as punch to represent their community.”
Weeks after Horgan stepped down as leader, Ellie broke her right leg. The couple recently returned from two weeks in Mexico.
“Being normal again was cool and it was a great way to decompress,” said Horgan.
Horgan said he never set out to do anything more than pay the mortgage and feed the kids, and he has remained in the same Langford house that grounded him.
“I think the greatest asset that I’ve had is my place and I am from here,” said Horgan. “I’m proud of being from here and the people back home have been unbelievable.”
