MacPhail to chair ICBC, Peterson to lead at B.C. Hydro

Former deputy premier Joy MacPhail has been named to chair ICBC, one of four high-profile appointments announced Thursday by B.C. Premier John Horgan.

MacPhail, who served in several ministerial roles, including minister of health, minister of finance and deputy premier during a 14year stint as an NDP MLA, is the co-owner of OUTtv, the world’s longest-airing LGBTQ+ television network. She has served as a director of Delta Hotels Ltd. and SilverBirch Hotels and Resorts Ltd. and a director and vice-chair of the B.C. Cancer Foundation.

She replaces former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Barry Penner as head of the public auto insurance agency.

Last month, MacPhail was named vice-chair of the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Council’s mobility pricing independent commission.

Horgan has also appointed Kenneth G. Peterson as new chair of B.C. Hydro. A 40-year veteran of the energy industry, Peterson spent the last 10 years as CEO of Powerex, the marketing and trading subsidiary of B.C. Hydro. He replaces Brad Bennett, a top adviser to former premier Christy Clark.

Cassie Doyle, former CEO of the Canadian International Resources and Development Institute, was appointed chair of the B.C. Housing Management Commission. Doyle was the federal deputy minister of natural resources under the Stephen Harper government.

“For 16 years under the Liberal government, ordinary people struggled to get ahead — nowhere have they seen that more than in out-of-control housing and Hydro costs. We’re tackling affordability and getting government working for people again, starting with Crown corporations and government organizations,” Horgan said in a press release.

Cathy McLay, chief financial officer and executive vice-president of finance and corporate services at TransLink, was named a director of ICBC.

“These new executives are ready to get to work for British Columbians. They were all chosen for their strong track records of delivering effective leadership that benefits the public,” said Horgan.

“Each of them will face significant challenges because of the choices made by the previous government. All will play a key role in making life more affordable for British Columbians. They will work hard to ensure the organizations they are responsible for are well managed, properly governed and well aligned with the government’s mandate and I know they are ready to get to work building a better B.C. for everyone.”