B.C. premier planning to step down, says 'energy flags' since latest cancer bout
The premier of British Columbia has announced plans to step down, but not until the provincial NDP can choose his successor.
John Horgan appeared at a news conference Tuesday, following a two-day cabinet retreat in Vancouver, and confirmed he will not be seeking a third term in office.
The premier said he made the difficult decision during a recent walk on the beach with his wife Ellie, during which they reflected on his latest bout with cancer.
Watching otters splashing offshore, Horgan said he was reminded that "doing a little bit more playing, a little less working is probably not a bad idea."
"I have to now reflect on what to do with the summers ahead of me," he said.
Horgan was diagnosed with cancer last November, months after discovering a lump in his throat, and underwent 35 rounds of radiation before completing his treatment in January.
The 62-year-old, who had a previous battle with bladder cancer in 2008, said he's found himself with less energy since coming back to work.
"My health is good, but my energy flags as the days go by," the premier said.
The B.C. NDP is expected to hold a leadership convention to choose Horgan's successor this fall. The premier stressed that his work will continue until then, but said he can't commit to another six years leading the province.
"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 said.
"There has been endless speculation, as a result of my recent battle with cancer, about what my plans would be. I want to put the speculation to rest so we can get back to what really matters."
Heading into Tuesday's announcement, political scientists suggested there has been no outside pressure for Horgan to resign, and that the decision to do so would likely be his alone.
While the provincial government has faced significant challenges, from affordability to the family doctor shortage, a recent Angus Reid Institute poll found Horgan remains one of the most popular premiers in the country – despite his approval rating falling to its lowest level in years.
Last week, Horgan took full responsibility for the controversy surrounding the Royal B.C. Museum replacement, which was met with significant backlash over its estimated $789-million price tag, and announced the government was suspending the project.
Experts speculated the premier's decision might have been designed to spare a hurdle for the NDP's next leader.
"I've talked about the need for generational change in our politics, not just within the NDP but indeed within all our political institutions," Horgan said Tuesday. "We need to make space for the next generation to bring forward their energy and their ideas."
Horgan rose to power in 2017, with the NDP forming the province's first minority government since 1952 thanks to a confidence and supply agreement with the B.C. Green Party.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Bhinder Sajan and Kendra Mangione
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked
A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.