BURST
B.C. Premier David Eby asked British Columbians Wednesday to give their prayers to one of his MLAs, who is in hospital after months of dealing with an undisclosed health issue.
In December, the NDP caucus put out a statement saying that Vancouver-Strathcona MLA Joan Phillip “is experiencing some health issues at this time and is undergoing additional tests” and asked for privacy for her and her family.
Eby now says that Phillip “is very ill,” without giving more details on the nature of her condition or whether she is expected to recover.
“Joan is an incredible fighter. She always has been. She is a hugely respected member of many communities and a loved and valued colleague of many people here in the legislature, including across party lines,” said Eby.
“I am asking that British Columbians pray for Joan and her family right now for a quick recovery and send their best wishes to the grand chief and all of their grandchildren and their extended family during this really difficult time.”
Phillip, whose husband is Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, is Tsleil-Waututh and a former land manager for the Penticton Indian Band, of which she is a member and former councillor.
She also spent time working for the Vancouver Indian Centre and at an outreach alternate school run out of the First United Church in Vancouver.
Elected in a June 2023 byelection, Phillip is the successor to Melanie Mark, who was the first First Nations woman to be elected and serve in B.C.’s provincial cabinet.
Last week, Eby said that Phillip had told him she could not support any amendments or suspension to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Earlier this week, Eby pushed off changes to the fall following widespread opposition from First Nations.