File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BC's 36th Premier

Horgan’s ability to govern across party lines admired by those who knew him best

Nov 12, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — You always knew where you stood with John Horgan, remembered for his straight forward attitude and unwavering support for issues he believed in.

“He was a great public servant, very humble man. He had the gift of the gab, very down to earth, authentic — what you saw is what you got,” said Bill Sundhu, a friend of Horgan’s and former NDP candidate. “And he leaves quite a legacy. He governed the province through the pandemic, protecting vital services. Still the best economic record in Canada. And a lot of investments in things like capital projects. Brought back the human rights commission.”

For nine years, Todd Stone sat opposite of Horgan in legislature, first when Horgan was the leader of the official opposition and then as premier. A man known for his debate skills, Horgan was well respected across party lines.

“I looked forward on a day-to-day basis to jousting with him in the chamber,” said Stone, former Kamloops-South-Thompson MLA. “He gave it as good as he took it. And it didn’t matter if he felt he got the better of me, or I got the better of him, when that bell would ring to end of question period, he would look over with his characteristic smile on his face and he would wink at me. ‘Good job’ sort of thing — and I would do the same to him.”

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Stone shared a story of Horgan reaching out repeatedly following a family medical procedure, while also remembering him barging into his ministry of transportation office.

“The door just opened and in through the door walked John Horgan with a six-pack of beer, and he wanted to talk to me about an infrastructure project in his own riding. It was just stuff like that that made him a very down to earth, engaging individual, and it’s why he commanded so much respect,” said Stone.

It was that ability to work across party lines and his skills as a communicator that aided his rise in politics to the premier’s office. And in the world of ultra partisans, Horgan stood apart.

“However you fought in politics, outside in the corridor you could be friends or have a beer or a coffee together,” said Sundhu. “And I think we need that. We need to understand that we can disagree but we are all in this canoe, this great Canadian canoe together and we want to do what’s best for our people and our province. And the foundation of that is personal relationships and respect and John had that.”