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Horgan to undergo surgery for lump in his neck

Premier staying on in position but may not be able to speak after surgery

  • Horgan noticed a lump in his neck and has various tests
  • Biopsy surgery will ‘outline what we’re dealing with’
  • Horgan has had cancer treatment before

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

Horgan, 62, told a news conference Thursday Oct.28, 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.

In a Facebook message Horgan was upbeat.

“I've been here before and I'm not alone. People across BC receive news like this every day,” he posted.

“My message to all British Columbians: if you're concerned about something, don't put it off. Please get it checked as soon as you can.”

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.

With files from Pete McIntyre/Vernon Matters

Published 2021-10-28 by Glenn Hicks

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