B.C. Premier John Horgan will step down as Premier in the fall, after a replacement is selected by the BC NDP. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LEADERSHIP CHANGE

Horgan announces plan to step down as B.C. Premier

Jun 28, 2022 | 2:02 PM

VICTORIA — B.C. Premier John Horgan has announced he is preparing to resign as Premier.

During a Tuesday, June 28 announcement from Victoria, Horgan said his health was a major factor in his decision to step down from his role as Premier, effective once a new party leader is decided at a convention in the fall.

“This has been the thrill of my life to be the Premier of British Columbia and I will be the Premier of British Columbia tomorrow, and the day after that and the day after that.”

Horgan plans to remain an MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca until at least the next provincial election, scheduled for 2024.

A cancer diagnosis in 2021 took Horgan out of the public eye for weeks, however, he was quick to return to his role even while undergoing continued treatment.

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He admitted his rush to return to work was not wise.

“The treatment was rigorous and in my enthusiasm to get back to work…I probably got back a bit earlier than I should have but it doesn’t change the fact I’m going to be 63 this summer and I’ve been involved in public life, working in government for 36 years.”

Horgan said while he is cancer free and considers himself physically healthy, his energy levels can wane late in the day and he couldn’t honestly commit to another election cycle, in addition to two years remaining in his party’s current term.

Come retirement, Horgan will have been Premier for five years, leader of the BC NDP for eight and an MLA for 17.

“It’s with a great deal of pride that I say…thank you so much for giving me this opportunity British Columbia. I’ve done my best to not let you down, there have been days when things have gone well and days when things didn’t go well. That’s the nature of the human condition and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity.”

Horgan plans to use his final weeks and months in the province’s top political job to push the federal government for increased health care funding.

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