Following well wishes from the captain of the starship USS Voyager, B.C.'s premier is recovering well after receiving surgery for a growth in his throat.
John Horgan announced at a Thursday (Oct. 28) news conference that he undergo a biopsy surgery the following day. In parting, Horgan saluted the show, saying "live long and prosper, people." Horgan repeated the announcement on Twitter where Kate Mulgrew, who played Capt. Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager, replied wishing him "a recovery that moves at warp speed."
Horgan tweeted his thanks, saying Mulgrew's character on the series, which ran from 1995 to 2001, was "the best captain ever" and "it's an honour to be part of your crew."
Wishing you a recovery that moves at warp speed! 💫
— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) October 28, 2021
On the evening of Oct. 29, a statement from the premier's office reported the surgery was successful and that Horgan is recovering well and is in good spirits. The statement said further updates will be issued in the coming days.
The premier, who is 62, has said he enjoys watching "Star Trek" in his spare time and he has been spotted wearing "Star Trek" socks. He also flashed the Vulcan salute while being sworn in last fall, but later said he had subconsciously spread his fingers out to mimic the salutation popularized by actor Leonard Nimoy when he raised his hand.
The premier has previously tweeted at Mulgrew to thank her for following him on the platform and in 2014 he shared a photo of himself wearing a Star Trek communications badge, saying he and former MLA Michelle Mungall were co-chairs of the B.C. NDP's "Geek Caucus."
The 62-year-old premier has said he intends to stay on the job, but he appointed Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to serve as deputy premier as a precaution.
Horgan said he's been in this spot before, having survived bladder cancer in his 40s.
With files from the Canadian Press
