[2] He is a member of the British Columbia New Democratic Party and served as the official opposition critic for the environment from 2005 to 2009.

Born and raised in East Vancouver, Shane Simpson has been active in his community for over 30 years.

[citation needed] In his professional career, Simpson has worked as the Director of Policy and Communications for Smart Growth BC, Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Instructor in the Community Economic Development program at Simon Fraser University, Executive Director of the Worker Ownership Resource Center, Legislative Coordinator for the Canadian Union of Public Employees, coordinator and fundraiser for the Ray Cam Cooperative Center, executive assistant to former Vancouver East MP Margaret Mitchell, and as a self-employed consultant on business and economic development for labour, co-operative and non-profit groups.

[citation needed] Simpson was the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his contribution to community in 2002.

On September 4, 2020, Simpson announced that he wouldn't run for re-election in the next general election.