It was named in honour of John Palliser, a geographer and explorer of the Canadian west.

The electoral district was created in 1996 from Moose Jaw—Lake Centre and parts of Regina—Lumsden, Regina—Wascana and Swift Current—Maple Creek—Assiniboia ridings.

Following the Canadian federal electoral redistribution, 2012, the riding was abolished.

The Regina portion became part of the new riding of Regina—Lewvan, while Moose Jaw and the rural portion became part of Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan.

Small parts of the riding were transferred to Cypress Hills—Grasslands and Regina—Qu'Appelle.