B.C. premier has growth in throat, undergoing surgery this week
B.C.'s premier says he has a growth in his throat that will require biopsy surgery this week.
John Horgan made the announcement during a last-minute news conference Thursday morning, saying he would be in surgery on Friday.
He said doctors were investigating a benign growth in his neck when the lump was discovered.
The surgery will "reveal what exactly we're dealing with," Horgan said, adding, "You're not supposed to have growths in your throat. That's the first order of business."
He said he's been told it appears the growth is treatable. When pathology information is available, he will also get details on a course of treatment.
It's not Horgan's first brush with cancer. He underwent surgery and treatment for bladder cancer in 2008, and was later declared cancer-free.
Additionally, his brother, Pat, died of cancer in 2018.
But Horgan is not planning to step down as premier, he said.
"I have every intention of carrying on. There is a lot of work to do," Horgan said.
Mike Farnworth, B.C.'s solicitor general, was appointed the province's deputy premier, and will step in if Horgan is temporarily unavailable due to treatment.
Horgan said he hadn't appointed anyone to the role since former deputy premier Carole James opted not to run for re-election.
He said this felt like "an appropriate time to tap Mike on the shoulder and say, 'Hey man, I might need your help.'"
He described Farnworth as "the most experienced member in the legislature," and called the appointment a tribute to his service and a comfort to the public.
When asked whether he was worried this would have an impact on his ability to complete his term, the premier joked, "I'm worried that it might have an impact on my ability to talk in the short term, which is some comfort to my spouse, Ellie."
But he said his surgical team has suggested a positive outcome from the biopsy and any other treatment needed.
As for why he chose to announce his condition, the premier said Victoria is a "small town," and that, given he's been seen in hospitals and will be staying overnight for surgery, it's likely the news would have gotten out.
"And I think transparency is really important in these types of situations."
He said he thought it served as a reminder of humanity, as cancer and cancer scares are something that impact the lives of most people in the province.
The self-described Star Trek fan ended his news conference with the message: "Thank you very much. Live long and prosper, people."
Following the announcement, the Opposition Liberals issued a statement of well-wishes.
"I have known John Horgan for nearly two decades… Today's news comes as a shock to all of us," interim party leader Shirley Bond wrote.
"These are times to set aside politics and focus on the personal. This is about people who care about one another, because nothing is more important than health and family."
She said Horgan will be in the party's thoughts, and that she looks forward to "vigorous" debate when he's healed and back at the legislature.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.