Ready to retire? B.C. Premier John Horgan's comments spark speculation
June 28 update: The premier is expected to address the rumours at a news conference. Monitor Tuesday's coverage for breaking news updates.
There is speculation John Horgan could be preparing to announce his retirement, following comments the B.C. premier made in a recent radio interview.
CBC Victoria host Gregor Craigie asked Horgan about his future Friday, to which the premier replied: "I have a cabinet retreat in Vancouver and we'll be plotting and planning and preparing for the next two years, so I'll have more to say about that as we come out of those meetings."
Those meetings are taking place Monday and Tuesday.
Horgan's comments come about seven weeks after he told CTV News reporter Robert Buffam he hasn't ruled out running for a third time.
"I never anticipated that I would be where I am today – no one's more surprised than me and my Grade 8 teacher at Reynolds High School. Yet here I am. As long as I can keep making a valuable difference, I'm going to keep doing it," Horgan said on May 5.
For political scientist and SFU professor Stewart Prest, the change in messaging is telling.
"The fact that Mr. Horgan was saying such an open-ended response to that kind of question is a pretty strong indication he is thinking seriously about moving on and retiring," Prest told CTV News in an interview.
There are other clues as well. Last week, the premier took full responsibility for the Royal B.C. Museum redevelopment rollout, which prompted significant backlash for the government.
David Black, associate professor in communications and culture with Royal Roads University, said while that decision may have been embarrassing, it also removes a potential obstacle for a new leader.
"The premier's kind of climb down with respect to the museum decision was indicative of a leader with a lot of political capital to burn," Black added.
While the NDP government faces significant challenges around affordability and the province's family doctor shortage, if Horgan retires, political observers say it's his move to make – with little indication his hand would be forced.
Horgan remains one of the most popular premiers in the country, and his party leads the opposition Liberals in recent polls.
Horgan's recent second bout with cancer may be the deciding factor. In May, Horgan also said he might have returned to work sooner than was optimal, noting he was tired.
Black called it the "X factor."
"As someone who has a close relative who's suffering through a cancer diagnosis, I know that it changes your perspective on life and where you go," he added. "As in comedy, so too in politics, timing is everything."
If Horgan were to decide to call it quits now, it would give the party ample time for a leadership campaign, and for his successor to get acquainted with the public.
Politicians usually keep their cards close to their chest, so until an announcement is official, anything could happen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
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.