Premier John Horgan to undergo surgery for lump in neck

Premier John Horgan says he will undergo surgery on Friday due to a lump in his neck.

He says he discovered the growth a few months ago. Horgan says the biopsy on Friday will determine exactly what is going on.

“The issue with respect to my neck is benign but in the investigation of that initial concern of mine, another concern was discovered,” Horgan said at a last-minute news conference Thursday. “But it is certainly treatable, as I’ve been told, and when we get information from the pathology [Friday] evening, we’ll have a course of treatment.”

He says this is not the first time he’s dealt with a situation like this, recalling his previous battle with cancer.

The premier says he’s been “in and out of hospital” for the past few weeks, adding he’ll be continuing those visits as treatment requires.

“That type of information just doesn’t stay quiet. I think transparency is really important in these situations,” he said, referring to his home area of Langford as a small, tight knit community.

He also notes his situation is not unique, pointing to the many other families across the province who face diagnoses every day.

“I felt that it was important that I speak candidly to British Columbians … to say that this is something that everyone experiences, this touches families wherever they may be, whatever their socioeconomic situation, whatever their religious beliefs, whatever their political persuasion. It’s events like this that remind us of our humanity,” said Horgan.

The premier says he is determined to carry out his duties as leader. However, he adds arrangements have been made should he need support.

“I won’t be stepping away from my roles as premier, head of the executive council, and also the leader of the Council of the Federation. But out of an abundance of caution, I’ve signed an order to appoint Minister Mike Farnworth as deputy premier in the event that I need him to assist me in my duties,” Horgan said.

Should there be a reason for me to be out of commission for a period of time while receiving treatment @jjhorgan says, I want the province to know they are in good hands with Deputy Premier @jjhorgan.#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 28, 2021

He says Farnworth and the NDP cabinet are ready to help as needed, and notes Farnworth, who is the current minister of public safety and MLA for Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, is “well respected” in the legislature.

“I’m reminded what, quite frankly, fortified me last week — Mike De Jong, who I have battled with for 16 years as a member of the legislature, stood in his place and gave one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard about his friendship and respect for Mike Farnworth. And it reminded me, and I think all people who were watching, that at the end of the day, politics is just politics, and people are why we all came here.”

University of the Fraser Valley Political Scientist Hamish Telford tells CityNews, Horgan was right to reveal this news and to name a possible successor.

“I don’t believe that he was legally bound to do it … but this is a fairly major operation. And I think it was prudent upon him to sort of put these plans into place and to let the public know that he is in this situation,” Telford said.

“I think all British Columbians are hoping and praying that the surgery goes smoothly … but he has made his wishes, known as to how the government should proceed in the event that he is unable to resume his duties and to hopefully avoid infighting in the government in the party. In case he can’t come back, which I think was the prudent thing to do.”

Noting he is not alone, Horgan is encouraging British Columbians who may have concerns about their health to not wait and to see a doctor, pointing to the various services available in B.C.

“It’s important, I think, for people to understand that this is the first time I’ve experienced a health issue like this, and it’s the extraordinary efforts of our public health care system that gives me complete confidence that all will be well for me.”

Why share personal health information? @jjhorgan – I believed would become public in some way so wanted to be candid. This is something many families/people face. "Events like this remind of us our humanity."#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 28, 2021

Despite the news, Horgan is keeping upbeat.

“I’m worried that it might have an impact on my ability to talk in the short term, which is some comfort for my spouse, Ellie. It will be quieter around our house and I’m sure that me not talking for a period of time will be good for everyone,” he joked about the potential impacts the biopsy may have.

The premier’s health scare comes as the province continues to grapple with the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.