The Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) is an annual event that is held in a different Commonwealth region each year and this year will be held at the provincial Parliament Buildings, in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Up to 66 young people from across the Commonwealth will experience various aspects of parliamentary democracy and will have a unique opportunity to connect with youth from around the world. Youth Parliamentarians will participate in education sessions led by experienced parliamentary officials, take part in parliamentary proceedings including Question Period, and debate and vote on legislation and motions.

CYP8 Program Outline

Proceedings of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Commonwealth Youth Parliament are conducted in English. As such, a working knowledge of English would be helpful for delegates participating in the Youth Parliament.

Mentors

Mentors are elected Members of a Commonwealth legislature or parliament who provide guidance and direction to the Youth Parliamentarians. They will attend and participate in the parliamentary and educational sessions held in the Chamber and the party caucus sessions held in the Committee Rooms. Branches will be responsible for the travel costs of their mentor to Victoria, British Columbia and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia will cover any local accommodation, meals, and local necessary transportation costs. Mentors should be 35 years of age or younger.

Accommodation

Youth Parliamentarians and Mentors will be staying at the Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites as guests of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites is a 5 minute walk from the Parliament Buildings. Once CYP registrants are confirmed, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia will make all necessary accommodation arrangements for each participating Youth Parliamentarian, and Mentor.

Meals

During the program, most meals will be provided and program organizers will make every effort to accommodate special dietary needs if notified at the time of registration.

Transportation

Return transportation to and from Victoria airport, as well as any necessary local transportation within Victoria as part of the program, will be provided.

Dress Code

All Youth Parliamentarians are expected to dress in business attire or national dress for the program. This includes a jacket, shirt and tie for men.

Weather

Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, and average temperatures in November range from 6 to 10 degrees Celsius. However, it can be cold, windy and wet so warmer clothing, including rain jacket, and umbrellas are recommended.

Visa Requirements

Youth Parliamentarians and Mentors may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa in addition to other necessary travel documents such as a valid passport, and are advised to apply for the eTA or visitor visa well in advance. Detailed information on eTA, visitor visa, and other necessary travel documents is available on the Government of Canada website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Insurance: Medical, Baggage and Currency Loss

Visitors to British Columbia are not entitled to free medical attention or to hospital in-patient care under the provincial Medical Services Plan. Youth Parliamentarians and Mentors must arrange for their own medical and travel insurance.

Participants are also responsible for their own baggage and currency loss insurance. The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is not responsible for any loss of luggage, currency, or personal effects.

CYP8 Website

Please bookmark www.leg.bc.ca/cyp8 for updates, background documents, and other CYP information.

CYP8 Contact Information