Joan Phillip

Joan Phillip, 74, died on August 28, 2026. Joan Phillip was known publicly as a Canadian politician and British Columbia MLA (since 2023). An Indigenous leader and climate activist, Phillip grew up in North Vancouver and Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. She also worked as a land manager for the Penticton Indian Band, and ran for the federal New Democrats during the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections in the riding of Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola. Following the 2023 resignation of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Melanie Mark, Phillip was acclaimed as the BC NDP's candidate to contest the by-election. She was elected the riding's MLA at the June 24, 2023, by-election. She was re-elected in the 2024 British Columbia general election in the newly named Vancouver-Strathcona. Public biographical listings identify Phillip as a Canadian politician. Phillip was also associated with British Columbia MLA (since 2023). This public record remains centered on Phillip's work as a Canadian politician and British Columbia MLA (since 2023) and the documented milestones of that career.