John Horgan: A Compassionate Leader and Ally to British Columbia's Muslim Community
Jafar Bhamji and Shahzad Mansoory
11-13-2024
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"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" – "To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return."
With profound sadness, the Muslim community in British Columbia joins all British Columbians in mourning the loss of John Horgan, former Premier of British Columbia. To many of us, he was simply "John," a leader who extended his hand in friendship and walked alongside our community through both celebrations and hardships.
John Horgan’s legacy goes beyond policy. His tenure as Premier was marked by a sincere respect and warmth towards BC’s Muslim community—a relationship rooted in unity, compassion, and understanding. During Ramadan, he joined us at iftars, breaking fast alongside us, and celebrated Eid in a gesture of inclusivity, even hosting official Eid gatherings at the legislative building in Victoria. Through these acts, he welcomed our faith and traditions into the heart of BC’s governance, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
John’s support was unwavering in times of sorrow. Following the Christchurch Mosque attacks in New Zealand, he offered both comfort and action, standing with us and ensuring enhanced security for mosques across BC, so that our places of worship remained safe havens. After attacks on mosques in Ontario and Quebec, he was steadfast in his commitment to protect our community and alleviate fear.
Even before his tenure as Premier, as leader of the BC NDP, John actively reached out to the Muslim community. He engaged in open dialogues, held roundtable discussions, and met with leaders individually to truly understand our concerns, including Islamophobia and the social challenges faced by BC’s Muslim families. He built genuine, lasting relationships, demonstrating his belief in justice, equality, and compassion.
John Horgan will be remembered as a champion for working people, a relentless advocate for social justice, and a leader who fought to make British Columbia a place of inclusion and fairness.
From humble beginnings, Horgan spent his life serving the working people of British Columbia, inspired by personal experiences with hardship. He understood the struggles families face and was determined to create a government that prioritized people over profit. His 2017 campaign emphasized this vision, calling for a government "on the side of working people." This commitment remained his guiding principle throughout his career.
During his tenure as premier, Horgan's administration introduced transformative changes, especially in worker protections, healthcare, affordable housing, and environmental policy. Under his leadership, British Columbia became a leader in worker rights, establishing policies such as paid sick leave, increased minimum wage, and expanded protections for renters—benefiting countless working families, including many within our community and making BC one of the best places in Canada to work and live.
In the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, John showed compassion and resilience. He balanced public health needs with economic stability and mobilized support in the face of natural disasters, including floods and wildfires. His commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples demonstrated his vision of a truly inclusive province.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, reflecting on Horgan's passing, noted his "tenacity, passion, and dedication," describing him as a true public servant whose warmth and kindness transcended politics. After stepping down as premier, Horgan served as Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, where his talent for bridge-building and positivity continued to strengthen Canada’s international relationships.
British Columbians, led by current Premier David Eby, are mourning the loss of a leader who encouraged everyone to "strive to be their better selves." Eby’s tribute highlighted the depth of Horgan's contributions, calling him a “consequential premier at a critical time in our history.” He noted that the province’s Parliament Buildings will lower flags to half-mast in Horgan’s honor, and arrangements are being made for public services to commemorate his life and legacy.
To the Muslims of BC, he was more than just a friend. On behalf of Muslims across the province, AlameenPost offers our deepest condolences to his family and expresses our gratitude for sharing him with all of British Columbia.
To John’s beloved wife, Ellie, and his sons, Evan and Nate, the Muslim community of BC extends our heartfelt sympathies. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May Allah grant you strength and peace during this difficult time.
John Horgan will be remembered not only for his policies and accomplishments but for the warmth, positivity, and human kindness he brought to public life. He was a leader who believed deeply in the power of government to serve, protect, and uplift people, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. British Columbia is indeed stronger, fairer, and more united because of John Horgan’s leadership, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
John Horgan leaves behind a legacy of compassion, unity, and advocacy that has deeply touched our lives. May his dedication to a fairer and kinder world continue to inspire us all.
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