As he prepares to pass the torch, John Horgan weighs in on Island issues and his own future plans

As John Horgan prepares to make way for B.C.'s next premier David Eby on Nov. 18, the current premier says he’s not sure yet if he’ll stay on as Langford’s MLA until the next election two years from now.

Asked Wednesday if there might be a byelection in his riding before October 2024, he responded: “I don't know how long I’m going to stay on.”

The premier added he is enthusiastic to reconnect with his constituents.

“I want to reconnect with my neighbours. the people who elected me in 2005, and the thousands of other people who have moved to Langford since.”

In an exit interview with CTV News Vancouver Island, B.C.’s longest-serving NDP premier cited enshrining Indigenous rights, B.C.’s climate action plan, and legislation aimed at those battling poverty as triumphs during his five-plus years in the top job. He expressed particular pride in legislation that waived post-secondary tuition fees for kids from foster care.

On the other hand, he identified the failed rollout of a proposed new Royal BC Museum as one of his biggest regrets.

“I misread the public mood on that," Horgan said. "I thought everyone was going along with me on this journey of understanding the problem – and that wasn't the case.”

With plenty of ground to cover in the interview, some topics more serious than others, Horgan agreed to give his hot takes on hot local issues, agreeing to respond to a topic with a single word or a few words.

Asked about the Malahat, the premier’s response was “traffic.” In connection with an alternative route to the Malahat, he replied “expensive.”