HORGAN TO STEP DOWN

Premier cites health concerns

B.C. Premier John Horgan was with his wife, Ellie, 10 days ago, sitting on a beach off the west coast of Vancouver Island watching the otters frolic in the waves, when he made the biggest decision of his political life.

Battling fatigue following a bout with throat cancer, Horgan, 62, told his wife that “doing a little more playing and a little less working probably isn't a bad idea.”

Horgan shocked political observers Tuesday with the announcement that he won't seek a third term as premier, sparking an NDP leadership race two years before the 2024 provincial election.

Horgan said while he is cancer-free following radiation treatment last December and this January, his energy is flagging, which is why he determined it is time to step back from the pressures of leading the province.

“We came to the conclusion that I'm not able to make another six-year commitment to this job,” Horgan told reporters from the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver after a two-day cabinet retreat Monday and Tuesday. “My spouse and I just felt that it was time that I pass things on to another generation. It has truly been the thrill of my life. I've done my best to not let you down.”

The announcement comes at a critical time for the New Democrats. Two years into their majority rule, the party is under pressure to address inflation-fuelled rising costs of living and fix the crumbling health-care system.

Several government ministers are rumoured to be considering a leadership run, including Attorney General David Eby, Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon, Finance Minister Selina Robinson, and Minister of State for Infrastructure Bowinn Ma. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West is also said to be considering a run. Horgan said he was making the announcement now to “put the speculation to rest about my future and get back to talking about British Columbians and their needs.”

B.C. Premier John Horgan, who announced Tuesday that he's stepping down as leader, will leave a legacy of stable government during five tumultuous years that included a global pandemic.

There is also a long list of accomplishments that includes removing big-money donations from politics, an “innovative” climate plan and recognizing the rights of First Nations in economic development projects, say political observers and those who worked with him.

And he will also be remembered for resurrecting his party and building a durable voting coalition that could win elections, they say.

“I am sorry he is leaving — but I am glad for him that he is going,” said Tom Sigurdson, former head of the B.C. Building Trades Council who encouraged Horgan to run for the party's leadership.

Horgan, 62, cited health reasons after successfully battling cancer a second time and a wish to spend more time with family and less time working.

Sigurdson said he believes that history will be appropriately kind to Horgan and recognize his passion as a leader and his interest in trying to do the right thing for people. Sigurdson pointed to Horgan's support for apprenticeship programs and his belief in the need to foster more under-represented people in the trades, including women and First Nations people.

Horgan continued to support apprenticeship programs in public projects even though it was viewed as a political liability by some, noted Sigurdson. “I wish more people in public life had that kind of passion,” said Sigurdson.

Simon Fraser University political scientist Stewart Prest noted that Horgan was premier during a period of minority government, a pandemic, extreme wildfires and flooding and mudslides — and was able to earn and maintain the trust of British Columbians.

“I think a legacy of stable, competent governance is going to be an important part of how he'll be remembered,” said Prest.

And even though he might have had the occasional outburst in the legislature, he could be counted on to do the right thing most of the time, added Prest.

Horgan has also managed to champion environmental issues to a point, but also by balancing that against the imperative to continue to develop resources for the B.C. economy, said Prest.

In some ways, Horgan was a reluctant leader as he had to be convinced, including by Sigurdson, to run in 2014 for the party leadership, which he eventually won by acclamation.

In a stunning breakthrough in the 2017 election, he managed to put together a minority government with the support of the Green party in B.C.

In a snap election in 2020, the NDP under Horgan won a record 57 seats and made inroads into suburban ridings normally held by the B.C. Liberals. Horgan has held the seat of Langford-Juan de Fuca since 2005, and worked within the government civil service before that.

Andrew Weaver, the former Green party leader who worked with Horgan in the minority government, said the list of government accomplishments under Horgan's leadership is long. He pointed to the removal of corporate and union donations to political parties, legislation that recognizes Indigenous economic rights, a child-care plan, one of the most “innovative” clean climate plans in North America and forest tenure revisions that are in the works.

Weaver, a climate scientist, said every leader has to know when it's time to step down and he would have been surprised if Horgan hadn't announced his retirement before the next election scheduled in 2024. “I think unequivocally he will be viewed as one of British Columbia's most effective and influential premiers,” said Weaver.