British Columbia Premier John Horgan is having biopsy surgery tomorrow, he has announced.
He said that, “out of abundance of caution,” he has appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth as deputy premier in case the operation affects his ability to perform his job.
Horgan, 62, said the surgery is on a growth in his throat, which doctors have been investigating in recent weeks.
He said he’s been in and out of the hospital for a number of weeks.
Horgan said he won’t step down and he plans to retain his position as the head of the Council of the Federation.
“Any further treatment will be determined after the surgery,” he said.
Referencing a bladder cancer diagnosis he received in his 40s, he added: “I have been here before and I am not alone. People all around the province receive news like this every day.
“My message to all British Columbians is, please don’t wait. If you are concerned about something, don’t put it off. Go see a doctor, go to an urgent and primary care centre to get it checked out as soon as you can.”
Interim Leader of the Official Opposition Shirley Bond said the news has come as a shock.
"These are the times to set aside politics and focus on the personal," she said.
"This is about people who care about one another, because nothing is more important than health and family. On behalf of the entire BC Liberal Caucus and all of my colleagues, I want to send our best wishes to John Horgan and his family."
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