Vancouver, BC – written Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – John Horgan, the former Premier of British Columbia and esteemed Canadian Ambassador to Germany, left a significant mark on the political landscape of Canada. His life and career were characterized by a commitment to public service, passion for social justice, and dedication to building international relationships.
John Joseph Horgan was born Aug. 7, 1959, in Victoria, and grew up immersed in the vibrant culture of the province. His father died when he was a baby. He was raised by a single mother with three other kids.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. With a strong educational foundation, Horgan began his career in politics in the late 1990s, initially serving as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Malahat—Johnsontown.
In 2017, Horgan rose to prominence when he became the leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (NDP) and subsequently assumed the Office of Premier after forming a minority government. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including advancements in healthcare, education, and environmental protection. Horgan’s leadership style was characterized by his collaborative approach, working with various stakeholders to find common ground and effect meaningful change.
One of Horgan’s noteworthy accomplishments as Premier was his commitment to addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy initiatives. Under his leadership, the government made strides in introducing policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, investing in clean technology, and promoting sustainable practices. He also prioritized social issues, focusing on affordable housing and improving mental health services for British Columbians.
Horgan’s government faced various challenges during his time in office, including navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration worked diligently to implement health measures and provide support to residents and businesses affected by the crisis. Despite the difficulties, Horgan’s empathy and transparency helped to foster trust among the public during uncertain times.
The week in November 8. 2023 began with his announcement that he had throat cancer and it ended with him becoming the longest-serving NDP premier in B.C. history. He had already served longer than Dave Barrett, Glen Clark, Dan Miller and Ujjal Dosanjh and in his last week he bested Mike Harcourt’s length of term.
After stepping down as Premier, Horgan was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to serve as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany. In this role, he aimed to strengthen Canadian-German relations, focusing on trade, cultural exchange, and collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change.
Friday, 8 December 2023, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Canadian politican John Horgan was received by German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier for his accreditation ceremony as top diplomatic envoy of Canada, and a subsequent tête-à-tête.
On Thursday February 15, 2024, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany; Head of Bavarian State Chancellery, State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann received the Canadian ambassador to Germany and John Horgan for a discussion in the State Chancellery.
Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann said about the occasion: “Bavaria and Canada, that’s something special. The Bavarian representation in Quebec has been a visible sign of our solidarity for many years. Economy, energy, migration – we can learn a lot from each other and at the same time open up new perspectives for companies and trade. Diverse bilateral relationships, strengthening resilience and value-based partnerships are indispensable building blocks of smart politics. Bavaria’s strength is tradition, with openness and vision of the whole world.
Eventually Horgan’s journey took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He went on leave from his ambassadorial position in June 2024 to focus on his health. This is also when Horgan announced he was on leave from his position as ambassador after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer following a routine check in Berlin. He was in the Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin hospital – in Germany for about five months before arriving at Royal Jubilee more than a week ago.
Tragically, Horgan passed away from the illness at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on November 12, 2024, at the age of 65. He is survived by his wife, Ellie, and their two sons, leaving behind a legacy of public service and commitment to the community.
Horgan’s death was a profound loss to the communities he served and to Canadian politics as a whole. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting on his contributions to public service and his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives. His legacy includes not only the policies he championed but also the relationships he nurtured and the inspiration he provided to future generations of leaders.
John Horgan will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a compassionate leader, and a formidable advocate for the people of British Columbia and Canada. His life’s work continues to resonate in the ongoing efforts to uphold the values he championed throughout his career. As Canada moves forward, Horgan’s vision for a just, equitable, and sustainable society remains a guiding light for those who follow in his footsteps.
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