32nd Islands Youth Parliament

 

Sessional Date:

May 1 – 3, 2026

Location:

Mount Douglas Secondary School

3970 Gordon Head Rd, Victoria

Contact: iyp@bcyp.org

Membership Application Deadline:

April 26th, 2026

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Apply Here!

If you are interested in taking on a leadership position, apply to be part of the 32nd IYP Cabinet. Cabinet applications are due on April 9th, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Application Checklist

  1. Download your application open each of the required forms, print them, and fill them out by hand. Ensure all signatures are handwritten and legible.

  2. Have an organization sponsor you, like a school or a service club. We require five nominators, such as classmates or fellow club members.

  3. If you did not attend the 31st IYP, write a personal statement outlining:

    • Why you would like to be a member of IYP,

    • What type of activities you currently are or plan to become involved with in your community, and

    • How you believe you can personally contribute to IYP.

  4. Answer the online form, make sure you read the instructions carefully and upload all of the files it requests.

  5. Submit! Ensure you keep a copy of your online form and physical signatures.

 

What is IYP?

The Islands Youth Parliament (IYP) is a project of the BC Youth Parliament (BCYP), a youth organization that recognizes every young person’s potential to lead and serve within their community. The Islands Youth Parliament is a simulation of the Westminster Parliamentary process, providing an opportunity for youth ages 14​–18​ to develop skills in leadership, organization, public speaking, and knowledge of societal affairs. BCYP is not affiliated with any political party and is a non-profit organization.

For detailed information about IYP’’s and BCYP’s activities, visit our website at: www.bcyp.org/ryps​.

 

Who can attend?

Each year, youth will be “elected” to IYP as representatives of their communities. Each applicant must be nominated by an organization committed to youth, such as a school, community group, club, municipality, or place of worship. Five members of that group must indicate their support for the applicant by signing the application form.

To be eligible for membership, you must be:

1. Age 14–18 (inclusive) as of Dec. 31, 2026;

2. A resident of the Islands region including: Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast

3. Nominated by an organization committed to youth.

  • IYP’s year begins with the Parliamentary Session from May 1st-3rd. Members meet at the assigned location and use the Westminster Parliamentary style of debate to discuss issues of local, national, and international importance.

    At Session, Members:

    ● Meet passionate youth from across the region;

    ● Debate collaboratively about a variety of current issues;

    ● Learn about debating and the rules of parliamentary procedure;

    ● Elect the Premier and Leader of the Opposition for IYP’s 33rd Parliament.

    After session, members will have the opportunity to participate in fundraising, social, and service events sponsored by the British Columbia Youth Parliament.

  • Session runs from approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 1st (with a check in time at 4:00PM) to 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 3rd. Members are required to attend all of session, and must contact the Chief Returning Officer before applying if this presents a problem.

    The registration fee, $50, includes a new member welcome package delivered to all new Islands Youth Parliament members, and a sessional journal produced in the style of the BC Legislature for all members to commemorate the event, alongside organizational costs to run the event, such as meal and travel expenses.

    Members or ambassadors who wish to come from out of town to attend IYP, will have the opportunity to stay in the homes of fellow IYP members from the surrounding area for the weekend if required, pending availability. They will be commuting with these members to the location every day.

    Will your child/ward require a billet for the duration of session? If yes, please reach out to the CRO, Jessie Swan, for questions and/or concerns on billeting. Contact: iyp@bcyp.org

House Leaders and Organizing Team

Premier: Hayeong Lee

Leader of the Opposition: Manarap Singh Popli

Chair: Jayden Sohal

Chief-Returning Officer: Jessie Swan

Sessional Director: Ambrose Yung

Speaker: Felix Mann

Deputy Speaker: Charles Macsebejon

Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: TBD