John Horgan's memorial service sparks public outcry for ticket access

In Canada, a state memorial service is scheduled to honor former British Columbia Premier John Horgan, who passed away recently after a battle with thyroid cancer. The service is set to take place at Q Centre in Colwood, situated west of Victoria. This venue can accommodate approximately 4,000 attendees, and those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve free tickets due to limited availability. Each individual can secure up to two tickets, either through the Victoria Shamrocks website or, for those without internet access, by contacting the province's Office of Protocol directly via phone. The doors to the Q Centre will open at 11:45 a.m. on the day of the memorial, with the service commencing at 1 p.m. Horgan, who led as the 36th premier from July 2017 until November 2022, had made significant political contributions during his tenure. Following his time as premier, he was named Canada’s ambassador to Germany; however, he announced a leave of absence from this position in June after revealing a thyroid cancer diagnosis. His passing last month marks a profound loss for his supporters, colleagues, and the broader community. The memorial service will provide an opportunity for the public and dignitaries alike to pay their respects and remember his leadership and influence in the province. The B.C. government is coordinating the event, emphasizing the importance of honoring Horgan's legacy. Attendees are urged to secure their tickets promptly to ensure participation, given the limited capacity of the venue. The event symbolizes not only a farewell to a former premier but also a communal space for reflection on his contributions to British Columbia's political landscape and the impact of his service on the lives of many residents.