Former B.C. premier John Horgan battling 3rd cancer diagnosis

Former B.C. premier John Horgan is battling his third cancer diagnosis, Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix confirmed Tuesday.

Ravi Parmar, the New Democrat member for Horgan’s former Langford-Juan de Fuca riding, says he heard from the former premier Tuesday and was told he has thyroid cancer.

Parmar says Horgan has taken an indefinite leave from his duties as ambassador to undergo treatment in Berlin.

In a statement posted to social media, Eby shared that he “knows these two things, John is a fighter and all British Columbians are pulling for him to make a speedy recovery.”

“Sending our love and support to Ellie and the boys,” he added.

Speaking at a press event Tuesday, Dix confirmed the diagnosis and said Horgan is a good friend, and a great British Columbian who has served the province well.

“Everyone in the province who has worked with him feels as I do. I feel a little bit more strongly, because I’ve worked with John and been close friends with him since 1987. Our thoughts are with the whole family right now,” said Dix.

The diagnosis is the third time the former politician turned diplomat has fought the disease. In 2008, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, and most recently, in 2021 he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Horgan stepped down as premier in 2022.

At the time, Horgan shared that he and his wife made the decision after reflecting on their plans for the future.

“Many of you will know, in fact I’m pretty sure it’s not a secret, that I have gone through my second bout of cancer and successfully went through 35 radiation treatments and I am currently cancer-free. My health is good but my energy flags as the days go by,” he said in 2022.

In November last year, Horgan was appointed to be the ambassador to Germany by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Horgan has since been living in Berlin.

In a statement posted to social media, the BC Conservatives says the party “sends its best wishes to John Horgan as he battles cancer. We hope to see him return to good health soon.”

CityNews has reached out to the premier’s officer and Global Affairs Canada for more information. You can watch CityNews 24/7 live or listen live to CityNews 1130 to keep up to date with this story. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

—With files from The Canadian Press.