Become a member

SYC is run by and for its members. If you are 14 to 30 years old, you can have your say in the Canada's largest youth environmental movement!

How to subscribe

Membership fee: $20 minimum donation - renewable every 12 months

Sign up here. (Secure payment site)

Read our membership privacy policy

Benefits of SYC’s membership

• You get a big discount on VIA Rail train tickets (details below)
• You can take advantage of the Education Fund to fund your personal sustainability initiatives
• You get a chance to represent SYC at major international events
• You will receive a monthly newsletter to update you on the progress of the various SYC programs, upcoming conferences and workshops, job offers in the environmental field, and so forth.

Did you know that SYC members are consulted for all corporate screening processes? You have a voice in where SYC can legitimately obtain funding.

Read our corporate screening policy.

VIA Rail Deal*

Forget flying. Trains are the more sustainable way to travel.

How can you get the deal? Follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Become a member, renew your membership, or verify your membership status with the national office.
• Step two: Wait to receive the automatic response with a temporary membership number. The email you'll receive is good for one month and soon we will send out new membership cards, which will do the trick from that day forward.
• Step three: Call VIA (1-888-VIA-RAIL) and book your train ticket. Mention the Discount Entitlement Code: 11261.
• Step four: Have your proof of membership and photo ID on you when you pick up your ticket.

Steps one and two are only for the first time. After that, steps three and four will do the trick.

*Applicable Conditions since February 10, 2010:

 Valid for a 40% discount on the adult regular fare in Economy class, and 10% discount in sleeper classes, for travel anywhere on VIA network.

In Economy class:  travel must be booked in "Economy - supersaver fare" and tickets must be purchased at least three (3) days prior to departure. Seats are limited. Exchanges are permitted without service charge and may be done at any time for travel on the same date as originally booked, but must be rebooked in "Economy - supersaver fare". If the passenger wishes to change their travel date, the change must be made at least three (3) days prior to the new travel date and must also be rebooked in "Economy supersaver fare".

In sleeper classes:  valid in any sleeper class of travel provided bookings are made and tickets are issued at least three (3) days prior to departure.  Tickets must be booked at regular fare of the chosen class. Same day exchanges are permitted, however, a change of date requires a three-day (3) advance purchase. Exchanges are done without service charge.

In all classes, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, they may be exchanged for equal or greater value (by paying the difference in fare). Personal identification with photo, and letter from Sierra Youth Coalition confirming name of passenger must be presented to a VIA ticket agent to obtain discounted tickets. Tickets may be booked online, but need to be issued at a ticket counter, as a VIA agent must verify identification. Tickets are non-commissionable to travel agents and cannot be issued by tour operators.

The Sierra Youth Coalition supports the creation of an electric high-speed train between Quebec and Windsor.