Former B.C. premier John Horgan open to job offers from Canucks, Trudeau as he announces retirement

Former B.C. premier John Horgan intends to fully retire from provincial politics as of next month, delivering a farewell speech in the legislature Thursday after decades of public service.

Horgan, 63, will be leavinghis post as MLA forLangford-Juan de Fucaon Vancouver Island in March.

"I'm so fortunate to have this opportunity.... How did I get to be so lucky?"he said during an emotional address to the B.C. Legislature.

"I've loved every minuteof it, and I can't say any more than that."

Horgan didnot explicitly announce his intent to step down inside the chamber on Thursday. Otherwise, it would be effective immediately. A spokesperson with the premier's office later confirmed to CBC News he intendsto leave in March, with Horgan later musing he might make March 17 St. Patrick's Day his final one.

Open to job offers from Canucks, Trudeau

Last year, Horganbegan his exit from politics by steppingdown as premier following treatment for throat cancer. He had initially said he would continue to serve as an MLA until the end of his term next fall.

During his speech Thursday he announced he was cancer-free, to applause from his colleagues.

"I'm healthy," he told the legislature,thanking the doctors, nurses and otherprofessionals who looked after him.

WATCH | Horgan on what comes next:

Former B.C. premier open to job offers from Canucks, Trudeau

1 year ago

Duration 0:43

After announcing his retirement from provincial politics, former B.C. premier John Horgan said he would welcome opportunities in federal policy and, possibly, the NHL.

In a scrum held after his speech, Horgan said while he was leaving B.C. politics, that didn't necessarily mean the end of his public life.

"I've got more to do," he told reporters, joking, "[Vancouver Canucks owner] Franceso Aquilinimight call me."

More seriously, he reiterated his offer to act as an intermediary for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada's premiers when it comes to negotiating on the topic of health care or anything else he may be useful for.

"The Prime Minister has been very kind to me [and] if there is something that he needs me to do, I'd certainly consider that."

WATCH | John Horgan announceshis retirement from B.C. politics:

'I've loved every minute of it': Former B.C. premier announces retirement from politics

1 year ago

Duration 0:45

John Horgan says he intends to fully retire from provincial politics in March.

Tributes from colleagues

Horgan was succeeded by Premier David Eby in November.

"You've been our coach, you've been our captain, supportive, encouraging, direct, only sometimes unpredictable, but above everything else, I want to say thank you so much," Eby said, rising in the chamber after a standing ovation for Horgan.

"Thank you to [Horgan's wife,] Ellie, thank you to your family for giving John to the people of British Columbia ... I'm so humbled by the shoes that I have to fill."

Opposition House Leader Todd Stone also rose to thank Horgan for his service.

"You really are looking good, and we're so very grateful for that," said Stone, referring to Horgan's health."We wish nothingbut great health for you and your family, much happinesswith Ellie and your boys in the months and years ahead.

"John from Langford: all British Columbians thank you for your love of our province, your commitmentto serving its people best, and thank you for always doing your level best," Stone concluded.

Longest-serving NDP premier in B.C. history

Horganbecame theonly two-term premier in the history of B.C.'s New Democratic party after winning adecisive second term ina snap election during the first year of the pandemic in 2020.

During that second term, he became the longest-serving NDP premier in provincial history.

Horgan began his career in politics as a legislative assistant in the 1990s, working in a number of policy roles across several ministries before winning his first term as an MLA in what was then known as the riding of Malahat-Juan de Fuca in 2005.

He served as Leader of the Opposition from 2014 to 2017.