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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.