The Saskatchewan Youth Parliament (SYP) is a non-partisan organization of young people that meets to discuss and debate political and social issues.
According to its mission statement: The Saskatchewan Youth Parliament is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, youth-run organization.
SYP provides the opportunity for youth across the province to expand their knowledge of parliamentary procedure while fostering good citizenship.
While striving to create an inclusive environment, members forge lasting relationships based on cooperative learning and mutual respect.
In 1969, the members of the Saskatchewan Older Boys' Parliament debated a resolution that would permit young women to join the organisation.
Throughout the years, a number of SYP alumni have become notable political leaders, including former Prime Minister the Right Honourable John Diefenbaker; former Clerk of the Legislature, Clerk of the Senate, Secretary of the University of Saskatchewan, Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan, and former acting President of the University of Saskatchewan, His Honour, the Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart; former MP Simon De Jong; former Federal Cabinet Minister and current Deputy Leader of the Opposition Ralph Goodale; former Premier Lorne Calvert; former MLA and cabinet minister Mark Wartman; and Minister of Environment Ken Cheveldayoff.
This includes with a chance to have the Annual Session take place over the Family Day Long weekend, rather than the traditional Christmas time period.
At Session the members take part in a number of activities, which include debate of resolutions in the Saskatchewan Legislature and cabinet elections.
Session functions as SYP's annual general meeting, and outcomes of legislation debates are binding on the organization.