Vancouver-Strathcona MLA Joan Phillip dies at 74

Vancouver-Strathcona MLA Joan Phillip has died at the age of 74, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs confirmed on Friday, after a lengthy, undisclosed, illness.

“The family of MLA Joan Phillip, Amshen, is deeply saddened to share that Joan died peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by the love of her life, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, her children, grandchildren and family, at the age of 74. Joan was a fearless warrior and inspirational leader, and we will miss her dearly,” said a statement from group on Friday evening.

“In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the B.C. Cancer Society .”

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An Indigenous leader and longtime climate campaigner, Phillip was acclaimed by the NDP to run in the riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant in 2023 after the resignation of Melanie Mark . She won the byelection on June 24, 2023, with just under 68 per cent of the vote.

In her time in elected office, Phillip, wife of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, is best known for her public opposition to the suspension of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act , forcing Eby to back off his plan at the beginning of April.

In December, the NDP said that Phillip was had health problems and would be taking time off.

On April 23, Eby said that Phillip was very ill and asked for people to send prayers her way.

She had voted from her hospital bed on legislative business the day before the announcement.

The premier said Friday in a statement that “our caucus and staff are grieving alongside her family and so many others who knew and loved her.”

Before being elected, Phillip spent time working as lands manager for the Penticton Indian Band and as a program director at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Vancouver.