When Premier he has throat cancer and will soon undergo radiation treatment, things shifted a bit in the often volatile world of B.C. politics.
It is a good lesson for us all amidst this often tense time of growth and anxiety in Squamish: when it comes down to it, we all want each other to be OK, regardless of how much we might disagree.
This cancer diagnosis is obviously a serious health situation for the premier or anyone. Now 62, Horgan also overcame bladder cancer in his 40s.
Immediately after his announcement of cancer’s return, his usual political foes quickly sent well-wishes.
“Cancer is a terrifying word for anyone to hear. I want to let Premier Horgan and his family know they are in our thoughts,” said interim BC Liberal leader Shirley Bond as she opened her weekly meeting with the media.
Bond’s Twitter feed is chockablock full of criticism of the NDP and continues to be. But not on this. She has retweeted many well-wishes aimed at Horgan.
“I am heartened to hear that the premier’s surgery went well and that his treatment will be underway soon. We extend our very best wishes to him and his family during his path to full recovery,” said BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau in a tweet.
Even Ontario PC Party Premier of Ontario Doug Ford — likely Horgan’s polar opposite on most issues — sent personalized good wishes.
“John, you are a fighter. We’re cheering you on here in Ontario,” he said in a tweet.
Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy, of the Liberal Party, too, told The Chief he wishes Horgan well.
Sturdy noted that people often have the impression politicians are at each others’ throats, as if they are in Question Period all the time, but that isn’t the case. That is public theatre, he said, adding since he became an elected [municipal] official in 2004, he has met thousands of politicians.
Regardless of their political stripe, they mean well, he said.
“They are there because they think they can help our community, help our society, our province or our country, and while I may not agree with them on all issues or agree with their particular approach or strategy, I rarely question their motives,” he said. “We are all just people and we all have different opinions, and thank goodness for that. So when somebody has an issue like [Horgan’s], a family tragedy or a health issue or concern, your heart goes out to them, naturally — because you know them.... You can’t help but have empathy because they are people just like you are.”
The cynics among us would say this public sympathy is just good public relations. But maybe it also points to a fundamental truth that is easily forgotten: when it comes right down to it, regardless of where we stand on vaccines, politics or anything else, deep down, the majority of us want each to be OK. Somehow believing that makes the debates and the fighting a little easier to take.
Be well, Premier Horgan.
