Spencer Chandra Herbert was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver-West End in 2008, and has been re-elected multiple times by the people of the West End and Coal Harbour in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2020. A strong community activist, Spencer has been voted Vancouver’s Unsung Hero, and Best MLA by readers of the WestEnder, and voted Best MLA by readers of the Georgia Straight. Spencer has served as cha
ir of the BC Government Renters Task Force stood up for renters facing illegal evictions, and introduced private member’s legislation to improve the Residential Tenancy Act. His work to reduce homelessness led to the founding of Vancouver’s Rent Bank. A strong advocate for equality and human rights, Spencer led the successful fight to explicitly protect transgender people in BC’s Human Rights Code. He has been an active voice for the environment, and his work in the legislature led the government to name the Pacific Salmon British Columbia’s Official Fish. He also served as special advisor to the Minister of Transportation on the Active Transportation strategy. Spencer’s work for the creative economy and tourism industries led to the highest level of support for the B.C. Arts Council in B.C.’s history, and the restoration of an industry-led tourism marketer. Spencer served as an elected Vancouver Park Board commissioner from 2005 to 2008. Before becoming an MLA, Spencer was an award-winning artist and arts producer working primarily in theatre and dance. He was the associate producer of the United Nations World Urban Festival. Spencer lives in Vancouver where he was born and raised with his partner Romi, a community developer, and their son Dev.