VICTORIA — British Columbia's premier, a "Star Trek" fan and self-professed member of the New Democrats' "Geek Caucus," has received well wishes from a Starfleet captain ahead of undergoing biopsy surgery when tests revealed a growth in his throat.
John Horgan announced this week that he had been in and out of the hospital for tests after noticing a lump on his neck and the surgery would reveal what he's dealing with, though he intends to stay on the job.
Kate Mulgrew, who played Capt. Kathryn Janeway on "Star Trek: Voyager," replied to Horgan's statement on Twitter, 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."
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.
After announcing that he would undergo the biopsy surgery at a news conference on Thursday, Horgan saluted the show, saying "live long and prosper, people."
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.
He did not intentionally "signal to geeks everywhere" during the ceremony, Horgan said.
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."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2021.
The Canadian Press
