What is BCYP?

British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP) is a youth organization that recognizes every young person’s potential to lead and serve in the community. Sponsored by the Youth Parliament of BC Alumni Society, since 1924 BCYP has provided a forum for young people to develop skills in leadership, organization, public speaking, and the parliamentary process, and to put these skills into practice through service to youth in their local communities.

BCYP is not affiliated with any political party and is a non-profit organization. British Columbia Youth Parliament (BCYP) is a youth organization that recognizes every young person’s potential to lead and serve in the community. Since 1924, BCYP has provided a forum for young people to develop skills in leadership, organization, public speaking, and the parliamentary process, and to put these skills into practice through service to youth in their local communities.

BCYP is not affiliated with any political party and is a non-profit organization. Membership in BCYP spans one year starting with attending the Parliamentary Session in Victoria in December and continues throughout the year. Members sit in the Legislative Assembly in Victoria and use the parliamentary style of debate to plan educational and service projects, establish BCYP’s financial commitments, and amend BCYP’s governing legislation.

BCYP’s Activities

At Session, Members:

• Meet young people from all over the province;

• Debate Cabinet’s legislation which sets out BCYP’s activities for the Sessional Year;

• Debate current local, national, and international issues;

• Learn about debating and the rules of parliamentary procedure;

• Elect BCYP’s Premier, Deputy Speaker, and Leader of the Opposition for the next Parliament.

After Session, Members put into action the plans made at Session, which usually include:

• Volunteer service projects in their home communities;

• Group volunteer service projects with summer camps, food banks charity walks, soup kitchens, and other service groups;

• Special projects based on annual legislation passed such as summer festivals, children’s day camps and Camp Phoenix;

• Regional Youth Parliaments;

• Fundraising events;

• Social activities with other Members.

Who can attend?

Membership

Each year 97 youth are “elected” to BCYP as representatives of their communities. Each applicant must submit an application, an application fee, and be nominated by an organization committed to youth (i.e. a school, community group, club, Municipality or church). Five members of that group must indicate their support by signing the application form.

To be eligible for membership you must be:

• Age 16 – 21 (inclusive) as of December 31;

• A resident of British Columbia;

• Nominated by an organization committed to youth;

• Willing and able to participate in BCYP’s activities for one year.

Due to the limited number of seats in the Provincial Legislature, only 97 applicants will be selected to become Members.

Getting to Session

Travel

Transportation for Members living outside of Victoria is included in the registration fee. Those living in the mainland will travel to and from Victoria by ferry and bus. Members who live in the Interior, North, and North Island will be required to travel on December 26 and January 1.

At Session

Accommodations

All Members are provided accommodations in Victoria for the nights of December 27 to 30 (inclusive) at the Marriott Hotel Inner Harbour. Members, including those who live in the Victoria area, are REQUIRED to stay in the hotel. Members will be sharing hotel rooms.

Meals

Each Member is responsible for the cost of meals in Victoria. Some dinners will be at assigned restaurants, others will be free-choice. Some meals may also be provided.

What if I have more questions?

Inquiries from applicants, parents, teachers, and nominating organizations are welcomed. Please contact Ambrose Yung, Registrar at registrar@bcyp.org.

You may also wish to take a look at our BCYP Brochure and BCYP Poster.