When former premier of British Columbia John Horgan ’79 (Peter Robinson College) looks back on his career in politics, there are two memories from Trent University that he credits to his political awakening. The first is hearing Canadian politician Tommy Douglas give a lecture in Wenjack Theatre, which inspired him to change his major from Psychology to History and Canadian Studies. The second, ironically, was a failed attempt at protest in the early 80s. 

“I had a picture in my office,” he recalls. “It was a picture of [future wife and fellow Trent alumna Ellie nee Mast ’79 (Peter Robinson College)] and I in front of Peter Robinson College with our homemade protest signs saying, ‘Stop the Cuts!’ If I hadn't missed the bus, I would've been in an occupation of the President's Office in my time at Trent. It was part and parcel of the awakening of my political awareness.” 

Horgan spent over 17 years as a member of the Legislative Assembly for the Langford-Juan de Fuca riding in B.C., including five years as premier of the province. One of the most remarkable accomplishments of Horgan's career was the historic enshrinement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law, leaving a legacy that champions the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities. 

Excerpts from this interview originally appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of TRENT Magazine; the full-length interview is available in podcast form on Trent Voices. Interested in receiving future editions of TRENT Magazine? Please complete a request form to be included in upcoming distributions.