John Horgan

As Premier of British Columbia, Horgan led his province through the COVID-19 pandemic, advocated for clean economic growth to create jobs in British Columbia and beyond, worked to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and navigated the province through a number of extreme weather events, including floods and wildfires.

Horgan was first elected to the British Columbia Legislature in 2005, representing the constituency of Malahat—Juan de Fuca. He was re-elected four times, held numerous critic portfolios, and served as the opposition House Leader. In 2014, he was elected Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (BC NDP), and in 2017, became Premier. In 2020, he led the BC NDP to a historic win with more seats in the legislature than it had ever won before. In 2021, he became Chair of the Council of the Federation, working with Premiers from all political stripes and regional perspectives.

Prior to his election, Horgan worked in the House of Commons in Ottawa and for the Government of British Columbia. He served as lead negotiator on the Columbia Basin Trust and participated in the BC team that secured the Columbia River Treaty, a water management agreement with the United States of America. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Premier of British Columbia, Dan Miller, and worked as an Associate Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Finance, with a specific focus on energy projects. Horgan worked at Columbia Power, advancing clean energy initiatives such as the repowering of the Keenleyside and Brilliant dams. Horgan then co-founded Ideaworks, a consulting company that helped community groups, not-for-profit organizations, and small businesses manage government processes.

Horgan was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University in 1983 and a Master of Arts from the University of Sydney in 1986.

Horgan is a two-time cancer survivor. He and his wife, Ellie, have two sons.