Horgan to undergo surgery for lump in his neck

B.C. Premier John Horgan will undergo surgery for a lump in his neck.

Horgan, 62, told a news conference he will have the surgery on Friday and will be kept in hospital overnight.

“After noticing a lump in my neck, I went to the doctor to get a number of tests over the past few weeks. Those tests have revealed a growth in my throat that requires surgery tomorrow,” Horgan stated.

Mike Farnworth has been appointed as deputy premier in case Horgan is not able to fulfill his duties.

Horgan could not say if the lump is cancerous.

“The biopsy surgery tomorrow will outline what we are dealing with,” said Horgan who is in his second term as premier, starting in 2017.

The veteran politician is confident he will have a full recovery.

“It is certainly treatable as I’ve been told.”

Horgan is staying on as premier, but may not be able to speak for some time after the surgery, which is where Farnworth would step in

“I have ever intention of carrying on. I always try to see a silver lining,” said Horgan who has had cancer in the past.

The NDP premier, who is the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, said he decided to share his medical situation as it would have become public at some point.

Official Opposition leader Shirley Bond of the Liberals issued the following statement on behalf of the BC Liberal Caucus.

“I have known John Horgan for nearly two decades. We have both served British Columbians here in the Legislature for a very long time. Today’s news comes as a shock to all of us ” said Bond.
“These are the times to set aside politics and focus on the personal. This is about people who care about one another, because nothing is more important than health and family.”

Bond says the Liberal Caucus is sending best wishes to Horgan and his family.

“You are in our thoughts as we all wish for the best possible outcomes in the medical journey that lies ahead. I look forward to the day when a completely healthy Premier Horgan returns to the Legislature. I know that the debate at that time will be as vigorous as ever.”