John Horgan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Horgan
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Horgan in 2017
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| 36th Premier of British Columbia | |
| In office July 18, 2017 – November 18, 2022 |
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| Monarch | |
| Lieutenant Governor |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Christy Clark |
| Succeeded by | David Eby |
| Canadian Ambassador to Germany | |
| In office December 8, 2023 – November 12, 2024 |
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| Appointed by | Mary Simon |
| Prime Minister | Justin Trudeau |
| Preceded by | Isabelle Poupart (acting) |
| Leader of the Opposition of British Columbia | |
| In office May 4, 2014 – July 18, 2017 |
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| Premier | Christy Clark |
| Preceded by | Adrian Dix |
| Succeeded by | Christy Clark |
| Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party | |
| In office May 4, 2014 – October 21, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Adrian Dix |
| Succeeded by | David Eby |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia | |
| In office May 17, 2005 – March 31, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Brian Kerr |
| Succeeded by | Ravi Parmar |
| Constituency |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Joseph Horgan
August 7, 1959 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Died | November 12, 2024 (aged 65) Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Citizenship |
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| Political party | New Democratic |
| Spouse | Ellie Horgan |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation |
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John Joseph Horgan (August 7, 1959 – November 12, 2024) was an important Canadian politician and diplomat. He served as the 36th premier of British Columbia from 2017 to 2022. He was also the leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2014 to 2022. Horgan was a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the area of Langford-Juan de Fuca and nearby regions from 2005 to 2023.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Horgan was born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, on August 7, 1959. His father passed away when John was very young, so his mother raised him and his three siblings. He worked many jobs to save money for university, including at a pulp mill.
Horgan met his wife, Ellie, in 1979 while studying at Trent University in Ontario. They later had two sons. In 1983, John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trent. He then got his master's degree in history from the University of Sydney in Australia in 1986.
Starting a Career in Politics
After finishing his studies, Horgan worked in Ottawa as a legislative assistant. This means he helped politicians with their work in government. He returned to Victoria in 1991 and took on more important roles within the government. He helped with big projects like the Columbia River Treaty.
In 1999, he became the chief of staff for Premier Dan Miller. This was a very important job, helping to manage the Premier's office. After 2001, Horgan started his own consulting business.
Becoming an MLA (2005–2014)
First Steps in the Legislature
In 2005, John Horgan decided to run for election as an MLA. He won the election in the Malahat-Juan de Fuca area. His party, the NDP, became the Official Opposition. This meant they were the main party challenging the government.
As an MLA, Horgan first focused on education issues. Later, he became the critic for energy and mines. He often spoke out about rising gasoline prices and how the government managed energy projects. He also pushed for more transparency in government decisions.
In 2007, when MLA salaries increased, Horgan and other NDP MLAs donated their extra pay to charities. This included hospices and food banks in his local area.
Continuing as an MLA
Horgan was re-elected in 2009 for the Juan de Fuca area. The NDP remained the Official Opposition. He continued to be the energy and mines critic. He questioned government decisions about electricity projects and rising hydro rates.
When the NDP leader resigned in 2011, Horgan ran to become the new leader. He finished third in the leadership election. After this, he continued his work as the energy critic and also became the Opposition house leader.
Leading the Opposition (2014–2017)
Becoming Party Leader
In the 2013 election, Horgan was re-elected as MLA for Juan de Fuca. The NDP again formed the Official Opposition. Soon after, the NDP leader announced he would step down.
In March 2014, John Horgan announced he would run for party leader again. His slogan was "Real Leadership. For All BC." He talked about creating jobs and developing resources while protecting British Columbia's environment. On May 1, 2014, Horgan became the leader of the BC NDP without anyone else running against him. This made him the Leader of the Opposition.
As leader, Horgan introduced bills to make politics fairer. He wanted to stop corporations and unions from donating money to political campaigns. He also wanted to make sure that low-income families could afford their electricity bills.
Premier of British Columbia (2017–2022)
Forming a New Government
In the 2017 provincial election, Horgan was re-elected as MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. His party won 41 seats, while the BC Liberals won 43. Neither party had enough seats to form a majority government on their own.
Horgan's NDP party made an agreement with the Green Party of British Columbia, who had 3 seats. This agreement gave the NDP-Green team enough votes to form a government. On June 29, 2017, the Liberal government lost a vote in the legislature. The Lieutenant Governor then asked John Horgan to form a new government. On July 18, 2017, Horgan became the Premier of British Columbia. He was the first NDP premier in the province since 2001.
Key Decisions as Premier
One big decision Horgan faced was about the Site C dam hydroelectric project. Even though he had opposed it before, his government decided to continue building it. They found that stopping the project would cost taxpayers more money than finishing it.
His government also kept a promise to remove monthly medical service plan fees for people by 2020. These fees were replaced with a payroll tax paid by employers.
Second Term and Stepping Down
On September 21, 2020, Horgan called an early election. This ended the agreement with the Green Party. The election was held on October 24. Horgan led the BC NDP to a big victory, winning 57 seats. This was the most seats the party had ever won and meant they formed a majority government. Horgan became the first two-term NDP premier in British Columbia's history.
In October 2021, Horgan had surgery for a growth in his throat. He later announced it was malignant and needed radiation treatment. He continued to work as Premier, attending meetings virtually.
On June 28, 2022, Horgan announced he would step down as Premier and NDP leader. He made this decision due to his health challenges. David Eby took over as Premier on November 18, 2022. Horgan officially resigned as an MLA in March 2023.
After Politics
After leaving politics, John Horgan was appointed as Canada's ambassador to Germany by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He started this important role on December 8, 2023. In June 2024, he took a leave from this position due to health reasons.
His Family Life
John Horgan was married to Ellie Horgan, and they had two sons. He passed away in Victoria on November 12, 2024, at the age of 65.
Images for kids
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John Horgan in 2017.
