Former B.C. premier John Horgan is currently in hospital receiving treatment for a third cancer diagnosis.
Horgan, who became Canada's ambassador to Germany in November 2023, is currently on leave from his role following his latest diagnosis.
“ After a routine follow up in Berlin from my previous throat cancer another separate cancer was discovered that has proven to be complicated," he said in a statement to media. He is in hospital receiving immunotherapy to treat this new thyroid cancer.
"It is the third instance of cancer I have had but I remain confident and hopeful that I will again live long and prosper," said the Star Trek fan in a reference to his favourite series.
During an unrelated news conference in Surrey Tuesday (June 25), Health Minister Adrian Dix confirmed Horgan was once again battling cancer.
He said his "friend of a very, very long time" has a new diagnosis of cancer. Dix said they've been friends and colleagues since 1987.
"John is, of course, a good friend of ours and truly a great British Columbian who has served this province. We know the battles he's gone through with cancer and we know that he is going to do that again."
It is the 65-year-old's third time battling cancer.
Horgan announced he had throat cancer in early November 2021 after having undergone a throat biopsy to diagnose the disease the week prior. He completed treatment in January 2022. He had bladder cancer in his 40s.
B.C. Premier David posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, sending his love and support to Horgan and his family.
"I know these two things, John is a fighter and all British Columbians are pulling for him to make a speedy recovery."
The Conservative Party of B.C. also posted that its teams sends best wishes to Horgan.
"We hope to see him return to good health soon."
B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon said his thoughts are with Horgan and his wife Ellie during this difficult time.
"I want to wish him a speedy and complete recovery in this fight against cancer."
B.C. Greens leader Sonia Furstenau posted that she was very sorry to hear the news that Horgan is once again facing cancer.
"John Horgan gave an enormous amount of his life to public service with passion and dedication. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I'm hoping for a speedy and full recovery."
Horgan left B.C. politics in March 2023, after announcing months prior that he would be stepping down ahead of the 2024 provincial election. He was first elected as MLA for his riding of Langford-Juan de Fuca in 2005 and was re-elected four consecutive times.
The day after leaving provincial politics, Horgan entered the coal industry. He was announced as the newest board member of a Teck Resources spinoff company, called Elk Valley Resources.
That move sparked mixed reviews from environmentalists and his former political colleagues.
