Undergraduate at Trent University in Peterborough, Ont., with a degree in history and Canadian Studies, he moved to Australia to complete a master’s degree in history at the University of Sydney. During his university studies, he met his wife, Ellie, with whom he would later have two sons, Evan and Nate.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Horgan as Ambassador of Canada to the Federal Republic of Germany in November 2023, after being Premier of British Colombia from 2017 to 2022. As Premier, he led the response of the provincial governments to the COVID-19 pandemic and promoted clean economic growth to create good jobs for the population. Besides, Horgan eliminated the medical services plan premium and pushed B.C. to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada since 2015, expressed his condolences in a statement posted on the social media “X”: “John Horgan believed in the power of public service. He saw it as a privilege, as a way to help others and to make our country better.”

John Horgan’s passing marks the end of a dedicated career in public service, from his leadership as Premier of British Columbia to his role as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany. Known for his commitment to social justice, public health, and Indigenous rights, Horgan leaves a legacy of progress and compassion. As Prime Minister Trudeau noted, Horgan believed deeply in serving others—a legacy that will continue to inspire Canadians.

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/john-horgan-dead-bc-premier-1.7381286 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/john-horgan-dead-bc-premier-1.7381286
• https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2023/11/01/prime-minister-announces-john-horgan-canadas-next-ambassador-germany https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2023/11/01/prime-minister-announces-john-horgan-canadas-next-ambassador-germany