It is with the heaviest hearts today upon learning of former BC Premier John Horgan’s passing.
The Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation Board of Directors and Staff along with friends and family mourn one of Canada’s prominent and influential social democratic leaders. We offer our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved our dear friend and loving supporter John Horgan.
We have lost a passionate, caring, leader who deeply embodied the principles of social democracy. His BC NDP government led the way in enshrining Indigenous rights, enhancing public health care, protecting the environment, strengthening labour rights and making everyday life for British Columbians more affordable.
John was a warm, thoughtful, and principled man with a great sense of humour. Sometimes, known for his candid remarks, they always came from a place of compassion. John played an important role in the revitalization of this Foundation as a spokesperson, collaborator, and friend.
John Horgan was truly a champion of people - dedicating his life to them. He spent most of his career trying to better the lives of British Columbians through strengthening public services and public policy. After spending almost a decade working in government behind the scenes, he went on to become an MLA and the 36th Premier of BC. Following his time as the Premier, he became Canada’s ambassador to Germany.
"John was a passionate activist and leader who truly believed in progressive policies. To that end, John ensured that his government would implement significant and positive changes to the work of government. The Horgan government supported and honoured the communities of BC with the first cabinet that was gender-balanced, and reflected the ethnic diversity of British Columbia. As Premier he continued to work for British Columbians by reinstating a BC human rights commissioner, increasing the minimum wage and welfare payments, increasing funding for education, and implementing $10 a day childcare for working families. John was a man of his word and his word brought comfort and benefits to so many British Columbians. Under the leadership of John Horgan, British Columbia was the first Canadian jurisdiction to pass into law, The United Nations Declaration in the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We were all blessed to have had a leader like John Horgan." - Irene Mathyssen, President
"I first met John Horgan at Ed Broadbent’s 80th birthday party in 2016 - we immediately connected over a beer and humorous conversation. Connecting with people was his legendary talent. Over the past few years John played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation in British Columbia and across Canada. For his kindness, generosity, and dedication to our cause, I will forever be grateful.” - Josh Bizjak, Executive Director
“John had a wonderful ability to connect with everyday people, a true model for social democratic leaders across this country” - Brad Lavigne, Vice President
The Foundation celebrates John’s life and his commitment to making Canada a more inclusive and better place to live. He will be dearly missed.
To John’s family and loved ones, we share our deepest sympathies, love and support in this difficult time.
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Staff and Board of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation
From all of us at the Foundation, we wish you a joyful Pride month filled with celebration and love. As we celebrate queer love, joy and success we must also take the time to reflect on the history that has led us to where we are today.
The Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation mourns the passing of Stephen Lewis with profound sorrow and deep gratitude for a life of extraordinary service. In Stephen Lewis, we have lost not only a towering figure in Canadian public life, but a giant among progressives, an intellectual of rare brilliance, and a moral voice whose clarity and conviction helped shape generations of thought and action in pursuit of social justice.
By Josh Bizjak, Executive Director
A record number of NDP members across Canada are currently voting for who will lead the federal party into the future. Although "rebuilding" seems to be the word of the moment, the NDP must remain committed to its roots: the pursuit of power.
Talk of forming an NDP government right now may seem deluded. However, despite what some revisionists might say the party was established with a sole purpose, to form a federal government.
