The province has released more details on how the public can attend the provincial state funeral of former premier John Horgan happening in Colwood this weekend.
Earlier this month, the BC government announced that a memorial service for Horgan will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 15th, at the Q Centre in Colwood.
The provincial state memorial service is open to the public. However, admission tickets are required. Tickets will be limited to two per person and will not be available in person.
Doors for the memorial will open at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday. Attendees are asked to arrive by 11:30 a.m. and be seated by 12:45 p.m. The service will start at 1 p.m. and is expected to conclude around 2:30 p.m.
With limited parking at the Q Centre, attendees are encouraged to use public transit or park by the library and walk to the arena.
The ceremony will be livestreamed on Youtube. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, BC Premier David Eby, and other dignitaries will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, at the request of the family, consider making a donation to the Goldstream Food Bank or to a location of your choice.
A book of condolences is available online and will remain available to sign until Monday, December 16th.
Horgan passed away at the age of 65 on November 12th, following his third battle with cancer. He had spent months in hospital after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in June.
He is survived by Ellie, his wife of 45 years, and their two sons.
The service will include religious commentary provided by Rev. Dr. Keith Howard, musical interludes, and words of remembrance.
In 2017, Horgan made history by toppling the BC Liberal Party, which had held power for 16 years, through a deal with the BC Green Party.
He later led the NDP to a majority government in the 2020 election, held during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Horgan stepped down as premier in 2022 after being treated for throat cancer in 2021.
He was later appointed as Canada’s ambassador to Germany but withdrew from the role after his cancer returned.
