Employer: Parliamentary Internship Programme
Envisioned by backbench Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Hales in 1969, the non-partisan Parliamentary Internship Programme (PIP) creates unique training opportunities for young professionals and recent university graduates, increases knowledge of Parliament, and provides MPs with skilled assistants.
During their ten-month tenure, interns shadow MPs to learn firsthand about the work that goes on in the House. They write speeches, briefing notes, research reports, and questions for question period. They visit their MPs’ ridings, author innovative research papers on Parliament and the work of MPs, and take part in legislative study tours within Canada and abroad. These internships are full-time, paid positions.
Since 1970, PIP has supported 490 young Canadians and assisted hundreds of MPs. The growing community of PIP alumni includes academics, politicians, senior government officials, diplomats, journalists, union leaders, judges and leaders in industry and the non-profit sector. Their pooled experience and shared commitment to research and education create a special opportunity.
Eligibility (by Sept 1, 2022):
- must hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
- hold at least one university or college degree (a CEGEP diploma alone is insufficient)
- are available to work full-time from Sept 1, 2022 to June 20, 2023
Selection Criteria:
Candidates are assessed on the basis of the following criteria. The criteria should be clearly addressed by the applicants. Candidates’ experiences should reflect these competencies. Referees are asked to address these criteria in their letters of reference.
- Maturity (self awareness/respect for others)
- Motivation
- Research and writing abilities
- Academic achievement and/or potential
- Critical thinking skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork (ability to work with others)
- Organizational skills
- Knowledge of Parliament and Canadian politics
- Language skills
Candidates are selected by a committee comprised of the Director and representatives of the Canadian Political Science Association, the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Internship Alumni Association.
Application Requirements:
Eligible candidates must apply using the secure online PIP application system. Documents submitted in hard copy or in any other form will not be accepted. All applications are strictly private and confidential.
Candidates must provide the following information:
- Contact details
- Education, grants and scholarships
- Employment experience
- Extracurricular and volunteer activities
Each candidate will also be asked to submit the following documents to support their application:
- Personal Statement: Candidates must describe in 400 words or less how they anticipate contributing to and benefiting from the Programme.
- Approach to teamwork: Candidates must describe in 400 words or less how they managed a situation working with colleagues who had different personal or professional priorities and perspectives from their own.
- Transcripts: Candidates must upload accurate copies (in low resolution PDF or JPG formats) of each transcript (official or unofficial). Candidates chosen to participate in the Programme will be required to provide original hard copies of all official transcripts with identical information to that uploaded before receiving a letter of offer.
- Contact information for letters of reference: Candidates must provide contact information for at least two referees who have agreed to write confidential letters of reference in support of their application. One referee must be academic and one must be from an employer. Candidates may identify a third referee at their discretion. The application system will automatically request letters of reference for each referee. However, candidates are responsible for ensuring that letters are submitted. The application system will notify applicants when this occurs.
Please note: Candidates must submit a $10 administration fee payable by credit card to the Canadian Political Science Association using a secure online payment gateway within the application system.
Any candidate or referee having technical difficulties with the online application system should notify IT@pip-psp.org as soon as possible. No eligible application will be refused because of technical difficulties if notice is received prior to the submission deadline.
How to Apply:
Apply by completing the application the website: https://pip-psp.org/apply/