Saskatchewan Legislature, Youth Parliament both marking century milestones
A building and an organization that have played significant roles in Saskatchewan’s history are both celebrating their 100th anniversaries this year.
The Saskatchewan Legislative Building officially opened its doors to the public on October 11, 1912. That same year, the Older Boys Parliament of Saskatchewan, which later became Saskatchewan Youth Parliament (SYP), met for the first time.
The Legislative Building, known more commonly as the Legislature or to many as just the ‘Leg,’ is a symbol of Saskatchewan’s determined past, says Harley Olsen, CEO of the Office of Provincial Capital Commission (OPCC).
“When you consider the time, costs and decision to construct this grand building on what was bald prairie, it’s quite spectacular to see the symbol that it’s become. This is a real milestone and occasion that we all celebrate as a province.”
He notes there will be both educational and celebratory components. For instance, provincial education officials will announce initiatives, designed to teach children about the Legislature and its role.
There will also be a first of its kind artist-in-residence program, Olsen says. “We’ll invite artists to visit the Legislature and create legacy art pieces based on its history, people and ambiance. That art will later be exhibited at the building.”
The OPCC is also hoping to stage exhibits of archival photos and the original architect’s model, currently housed at Montreal’s Mcgill University.
Olsen adds that celebrations began earlier this year when Premier Brad Wall and Lieutenant-governor Gordon Barnhart opened the time capsule placed in the Legislative Building’s cornerstone in 1909. “Those contents, being more than 100 years old, require special preservation. Conservators at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum are working on creating a display that will be at the Legislature, hopefully later in the spring.”
The public is also asked to participate, he says. “We’re creating a story a month about the building and asking people to submit interesting facts about its creation, design and the on-going role it plays in the province.”
There also will be improvements made, specifically to the entrance. “We’re creating new information panels and making the entrance a more public place, with hope that more people will visit the Legislature,” Olsen says, adding that the Queen Elizabeth II gardens also will see improvements.
October 12, the 100th anniversary of the official opening, will see a celebration hopefully involving current Governor General David Johnston. The goal is to recreate the celebration that took place in 1912 with then Governor General, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught.
“We hope this variety of activities will engage a wide range of people in Saskatchewan,” Olsen adds of the year’s events.
For more information, visit the official website at opcc.gov.sk.ca/leg100.
The same year that the Legislature opened, the Older Boys Parliament of Saskatchewan was created to teach young men core values and parliamentary procedure. Among its first members was John Diefenbaker, the only Saskatchewan citizen to become Prime Minister.
“The Older Boys Parliament of Saskatchewan also was the first regional organization of its kind in Canada,” says Matt Leisle, chair of the planning committee for SYP’S 100th anniversary. “In the 1920s it was reformed as the TUXIS and Older Boys Parliament of Saskatchewan.
“While the organization met sporadically, due to World Wars and the depression, it’s met continually since 1945,” he adds, noting the organization eventually became the Older Boys Parliament before becoming SYP in the 1970s, when women and non-christians were allowed to join.
“Today, SYP holds its annual session over the Christmas break in the Legislature and two or three ‘mini’ sessions in locations around the province,” he explains.
In addition to Diefenbaker, SYP alumni include former Saskatchewan premier Lorne Calvert, long-time MP Ralph Goodale, Lieutenant-governor Gordon Barnhart, news anchor Keith Morrison, and Saskatchewan cabinet minister Ken Cheveldayoff.
SYP debates bills and resolutions in parliamentary style. While the House is divided into government and opposition, members are free to vote and speak any way they wish. The members write and debate resolutions on the topics of their choice. Each member is given the chance to speak on every resolution.
“It’s also important to note that SYP is entirely run by the youth who are its members,” Leisle says.
SYP will celebrate its 100th anniversary from Aug. 17 to 19. Highlights of the weekend will include a sitting at the Legislature, a banquet, historical displays and other reunion activities. For more information, visits askyouthparliament.com/centennial.