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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
- After leaving Parliament in 2004, Robinson sought psychiatric treatment and was diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder. He later described it publicly as a mood disorder and spoke about the difficulty of acknowledging that he was living with mental illness. [2][1]
- In testimony before a Senate committee in 2005, Robinson said that therapy had helped him recognize that he had probably been living with a mood disorder for many years. He described speaking publicly about mental illness as a second “coming out,” one he found even more difficult than coming out as gay. [2]
- Robinson has described a period before leaving Parliament when he was under intense pressure but did not recognize that he needed help. His partner urged him to slow down and seek treatment, but Robinson later recalled feeling “invulnerable” and ignoring the warning signs. [2]
- In April 2004, Robinson stole an expensive ring from an auction and soon afterward resigned his parliamentary seat. He later described the incident as devastating and irrational, and said that it forced him to confront mental-health problems he had not previously acknowledged. Accounts of this period also describe unusually intense activity before the theft and suicidal thoughts afterward. [2][1]
- After the events of 2004, Robinson entered therapy. He later said that working with a skilled therapist helped him recognize that he had likely been living with a mood disorder for years. [2]
- Robinson also began taking medication intended to help manage elevated periods associated with his condition. His psychiatrist, Glen Freedman, subsequently diagnosed him with cyclothymic disorder. [1]
- Robinson has spoken publicly about mental illness to challenge stigma and discrimination. In testimony before a Senate committee in 2005, he said he hoped that sharing his experience could give others hope and show that people living with mental illness can still have full lives. [2]
“They can live a full life with mental illness, but they have to listen to the warning signals.”
— Svend Robinson [2]
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.