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| Former Premier John Horgan recounted a number of memories from his time in BC Politics, Mr. Horgan will be resigning from his seat in the Legislature in March. |
The word was making its way around the British Columbia Legislature on Thursday that former Premier John Horgan had decided on his departure date, with March ahead the moment for his political exit.
And with that as the percolating theme of the day, Thursday afternoon's session of the Legislature made for what appear to be Mr. Horgan's final few thoughts on a political life and some heart felt accolades from current Premier David Eby, as well as both the BC Liberal and BC Green parties.
The former Premier rose to speak shortly after the 1 PM start to the afternoon session his commentary charting a journey as it often does; the Legislature a forum as if it were the Beverage room at the Oceanview Hotel for some story telling for the afternoon.
Mr. Horgan started with a tribute to his spouse Ellie who has been with him on his decades long travels in Politics and prior to them, there was a list of names of those have joined him on the journey or with whom he would cross swords in Legislature debate.
He spoke of the need to compromise and the ability to collaborate and remain friends in the political theatre, despite those times of accelerated rhetoric that the profession brings to the Legislature Chamber or the streets of the province.
The thirty minutes and a bit review was one filled with many anecdotes of a political life that saw disappointments along the way, along with many victories, taking him to the top elected office in the province and place of prominence on the nations stage.
He spoke of cancer, which he's battled twice, sharing a nod towards others in the Chamber that have made that same journey, or face it anew, noting of the volume of well wishes he received as the took on the rigours of treatment.
His narrative included snapshots of the many communities he had opportunity to visit, included on the list one of his most memorable trips, one not too long ago when he and his wife travelled into the Stikine region and a visit to Lower Post to participate in the dismantling of the last vestiges of the residential school period, a moment he described for the Chamber as a powerful one.
What has become his trademark comment of late, provided for the sign off to a political life, with the Premier recounting advice from hims mother from his earliest of days.
"Every day, we get up and we make choices. Sometimes we make good choices. Sometimes we make bad choices.
My mom, Alice, taught me, at a very early age, that the best you can do is all you can do.
"Do your level best, son, and everyone will be fine."
I have tried, over 18 years in this place as an MLA, 30 years working here, 63 years drawing breath, to try and make it better every day for the people around me.
I want to thank you all for allowing me to say, today, how important that has been for me, for my family and for my community.
I loved every minute of it, and I can't say any more than that inside the House, but thanks for everything, all of you."
The accolades for a lengthy career in service of his constituents and the people of the province began with Premier David Eby, who noted of Mr. Horgan's popularity at the national level, noting of some disappointment around the recent Premiers gathering with the former Premier not there anymore.
Mr. Eby spoke of the former Premier's commitment to BC and Canada, noting of the endless love and respect that the caucus has for him, Eby observing how he was humbled by the shoes he has to fill.
Opposition House Leader Todd Stone spoke on behalf of BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon and the Liberal caucus, speaking of Mr. Horgan's service as one which exemplified caring for community, constitutents and province.
Among Mr. Stone's remembrances were some lively political jousting in the Chamber, and more personal moments when the Premier would check in with the MLA during a family health situation, an outreach that Mr. Horgan did often for those in the Legislature and beyond it.
The Liberal House Leader observed that was the measure of the man was that of someonewho never let the political battles rule the day, rather he noted, it was the care for people many think of when it comes the their time with the former Premier.
Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau noted of the long friendship Mr. Horgan has shared with her husband Blaise. As well she observed of the sacrifices that political life can bring for families offering her gratitude to the former Premier.
She also had praise for much of his work in the Legislature and the list of accomplishments that he brought to the province during his long run on the political scene.
The transcript of Mr. Horgan's address to the Chamber and the commentary of praise that followed it can be reviewed from the Legislature Chamber video for Thursday afternoon.
His formal resignation from the Legislature and what will be a subsequent call for a by-election for the constituency of Langford-Juan de Fuca will come in March.
More notes on the work of the Legislature can be reviewed from our archive page.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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