In a recent ranking of British Columbia's most influential figures, one name stood out as the highest-ranking woman: Joy MacPhail. The former NDP cabinet minister, now 73, continues to wield significant power from behind the scenes, steering some of the province's most critical public corporations and development projects.
A Career of Influence and Controversial Decisions
MacPhail's journey from spokesperson for the B.C. Federation of Labour to a trusted fixer for successive NDP premiers is marked by bold leadership. The late premier John Horgan once called her a "force of nature," praising her lifelong fight for affordable housing and economic equality. This trust translated into pivotal appointments, placing her at the helm of organizations controlling billions in public funds.
In 2017, Horgan appointed MacPhail as chair of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), a role she held until 2022. During her tenure, she worked closely with then-Attorney General David Eby to implement the contentious no-fault insurance model. This program aimed to reduce rates, lower corporate debt, and minimize legal costs. However, it remains fiercely debated, with critics arguing it inadequately compensates those suffering life-altering injuries.
Steering Major Public Corporations
Three years ago, MacPhail's influence expanded as she took the chair of B.C. Ferries, one of the world's largest ferry systems. Her leadership was immediately tested by a major procurement decision. In 2025, the government-regulated corporation chose to purchase four new large vessels from a state-run shipyard in China.
This move sparked international controversy, given the strained diplomatic relations between Western nations and China's Communist leadership. While B.C. Ferries has not disclosed the total price, it claims the deal saved $1.2 billion. For her role as chair, MacPhail received a fee of $100,000 last year.
Shaping Housing and Economic Development
Beyond transportation and insurance, MacPhail plays a key role in housing strategy. For the past three years, she has served as chair of the board at Nch’kay Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation. This position places her at the forefront of major development projects in the region.
Vancouver Magazine's "Power 50 List" highlighted her ongoing role as a major influence on the NDP, a fixer called upon for challenges ranging from ICBC reforms to housing plans. Her spheres of influence collectively oversee massive public expenditures and policy decisions affecting millions of British Columbians.
From ICBC to B.C. Ferries and Indigenous economic development, Joy MacPhail's career demonstrates a consistent trajectory of power. Operating largely away from the political spotlight, her decisions on insurance, ferry procurement, and housing continue to shape the province's economic and social landscape, confirming her status as one of B.C.'s most formidable power brokers.
