Dan Davies speaks on passing of former BC Premier

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Former MLA Dan Davies has come out saying he was “saddened to hear” of the passing of former B.C. Premier John Horgan.

The former premier died from cancer at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on Tuesday, November 12th, at the age of 65.

“Although we didn’t always agree on things in the legislature, John was a good guy. [I] always enjoyed my conversations I had with him,” said Davies. 

Davies shared how much of a personable man Horgan was and how he will likely be remembered.  

“He was more of a guy than a politician. He was definitely a public servant and a servant of the people, very down to earth,” said Davies. 

“You knew who John Horgan was. He wore himself on his sleeves. You knew what he was thinking because he told you, he was a very forward person.”

Davies shared how, while in the legislature, his office overlooked the entrance to the premier’s office, and he would often shout his good morning greetings to Horgan from his window. 

“I’d see him pull up, and he’d be going in the office, I’d always yell, ‘Good morning Premier!’ and he would always yell, ‘Hey Dan!”

“He was just a really down-to-earth, normal guy,” Davies continued. 

City of Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen also released a statement on Horgans passing.

“John Horgan was a respected leader who exemplified the spirit of public service. While we may have differed on some issues, we shared a common purpose – working tirelessly to better our communities. My thoughts are with his family during this time,” stated Hansen.

In honour of Horgan, the Cities of Fort St. John and Dawson Creek flew their flags at half-mast on November 13th.

Horgan served as British Columbia’s premier from 2017 to 2022 and served 18 years in the Provincial Legislative Assembly, resigning his seat in 2023.

He resigned as premier in 2022, having led the province through the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, wildfires, and heat waves.

After leaving office, Horgan served as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany from 2023 to 2024.

He was surrounded by his family and closest friends in his final days. 

With files from the Canadian Press.