B.C. Premier David Eby says Vancouver-Strathcona MLA Joan Phillip is “very ill.”
“Joan is an incredible fighter – she always has been. She is a hugely respected member of many communities,” Eby told reporters at the legislature in Victoria on Wednesday.
“I’m asking that British Columbians pray for Joan and for her family right now, for a quick recovery and send their best wishes to the Grand Chief (Stewart Phillip, her spouse) and to all of her grandchildren and her extended family during this difficult time.”
Eby said he didn’t have any more details to share, adding that further details would come from her family. He did not take questions.
“We’re all worried about Joan right now, and we’re all praying for her.”
The B.C. NDP caucus announced in early December 2025 that Phillip was “experiencing some health issues” and would be “undergoing additional tests.”
The release didn’t disclose what the health issues were.
Phillip’s opposition to Eby’s plans to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) was pivotal in convincing the premier to back down on Monday.
With the NDP holding a razor-thin one-vote majority, the government will have difficulty passing legislation without Phillip’s vote or support from Independent or opposition MLAs. If Phillip must leave her position permanently, a byelection would need to be organized.
The Green Party has historically supported the NDP in exchange for work toward some of its priorities, but the latest deal between the two parties fell apart earlier this year.