East Vancouver, BC — Joined by Premier David Eby and surrounded by friends, family and supporters from across the region, Joan Phillip was officially nominated as the BC NDP's candidate for the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant by-election.

Joan is a respected Indigenous leader who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice, human rights, and the environment. Her work experience includes youth counsellor at Britannia School, education/program director at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and lands manager for the Penticton First Nation.

“My ancestors have cared for the people and the environment on this land for thousands of years,” said Joan Phillip. “I care deeply about this community and I understand the issues people are facing. As a member of Premier David Eby’s team, I will work to keep moving forward on affordable housing, stronger health care and more treatment options for people experiencing trauma, and effective action on the climate emergency.”

Since forming government in July 2017, the BC NDP has taken action on crucial issues that matter to the people of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, including:

• Tackling housing costs by taking on real estate speculators and getting more homes built by reducing barriers to new housing construction
• Fighting to save lives from the toxic drug crisis and building more supportive housing.
• Improving healthcare by building a new St. Paul’s Hospital, and licensing more internationally-trained doctors and nurses to work in BC
• Funding the new Chinese Canadian Museum and supporting local businesses by helping revitalize storefronts and historic neon signs in Chinatown

“As our community tackles challenges, it’s essential to have a strong MLA like Joan,” said Melanie Mark, the former MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. “She understands the needs and aspirations of people throughout Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and will fight for us every day. Joan is experienced and fierce, and will make a real difference for our community.”

“Joan has spent her entire life working for people, including in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, standing up for some of the city's most vulnerable people,” said Premier David Eby. “Like her predecessor Melanie, Joan isn’t afraid to speak truth to power. She’ll be a strong voice for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant while we take action on the housing crisis, health care, and cost of living. I know every day she’s in government, she’ll fight for the things that matter to you.”

Vancouver-Mount Pleasant became vacant when BC NDP MLA Melanie Mark resigned her seat in April. Under Elections BC regulations, a by-election must be called on or before October 14, 2023.