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Svend Robinson
PoliticianCanada
Svend Robinson is a former Canadian member of Parliament who represented Burnaby-area constituencies for the New Democratic Party from 1979 to 2004, making him one of British Columbia’s longest-serving federal MPs. He became especially known for his work on human rights, LGBTQ+ equality, environmental issues, and assisted dying. [3]
Career and work
Robinson was elected to the House of Commons in 1979 at age 27 and represented Burnaby-area constituencies for the New Democratic Party until 2004. During his 25 years in Parliament, he became known for work on human rights, LGBTQ+ equality, Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and assisted dying. He was also the first Canadian member of Parliament to come out as gay while in office. [4][3]
After leaving Parliament, Robinson continued working internationally on public-interest issues. He worked with Public Services International and later with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In 2020–21, he served as the J.S. Woodsworth Resident Scholar at Simon Fraser University, where he taught and participated in public discussions on human rights and social justice. [5][3]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
The Tyee“The Mystery of the Unraveling Politician” Excerpt from Graeme Truelove’s biography covering Robinson’s mental state around the 2004 theft, subsequent treatment, medication, and diagnosis with cyclothymic disorder.
Senate of Canada“Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology” Robinson’s own 2005 testimony about living with a mood disorder, entering therapy, recognizing warning signs, stigma, and his decision to speak publicly.
Simon Fraser University, Institute for the Humanities“Svend Robinson” Biography covering Robinson’s 25-year parliamentary career and work on human rights and social-justice issues.
View all 5 sources
Simon Fraser University“FASS Dean hosts fireside chat with former MP Svend Robinson” Overview of Robinson’s political career and longstanding advocacy.
Simon Fraser University“Svend Robinson exemplifies community engagement during his tenure as the 2020–21 J.S. Woodsworth Resident Scholar” Documents Robinson’s work as a resident scholar, including teaching and public engagement.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Svend Robinson and their experiences.
- “Svend Robinson: ‘Our Last Chance to Turn Things Around’”The Tyee
A 2019 profile revisiting Robinson’s parliamentary career, mental-health diagnosis, later international work, and return to electoral politics.
- “Graeme Truelove”The Commentary
Extended interview with Robinson biographer Graeme Truelove about Svend Robinson: A Life in Politics.