About Spencer

Spencer Chandra Herbert was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver-Burrard in 2008 in a by-election, and then elected as the first MLA for the new riding of Vancouver-West End in 2009. Spencer was then re-elected in 2013 and 2017. He serves as the chair for the Rental Task Force.

Spencer served as the New Democrat Opposition spokesperson for Arts, Tourism & Culture, Film and TV, and PAVco. He previously served as Opposition Critic for the Ministry of the Environment, and the B.C. Lottery Corporation and Gaming Policy

A strong community activist, Spencer was voted Vancouver’s Unsung Hero by readers of the Westender, and twice voted Best MLA by readers of the Georgia Straight.

Spencer has 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, and his community leadership helped force the government to abandon plans to close and move St. Paul’s Hospital.

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.

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.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Spencer lives in the West End with his partner Romi, a community developer.