“For her pioneering contributions to politics and for her tireless advocacy of underserved and marginalized communities.”
A long-time advocate for different communities, MacPhail co-owns OUTtv, the world’s longest airing LGBTQ+ television network, with her husband James Shavick, BA 72, LLD 16, a loyal donor to Concordia.
MacPhail is a former deputy premier and finance minister for British Columbia, having served as an elected member of the B.C. Legislative Assembly representing Vancouver-Hastings from 1991 to 2005. She is also an experienced member of corporate and charitable boards, including for Covenant House Vancouver and Arthritis Research Canada, and chair of Adler University’s board of trustees.
In 2021, MacPhail received Business in Vancouver’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the YWCA Women of Distinction in the category of Business and Professions.