The Canadian Political Science Association

The Ontario Legislature Internship Programme was established in November 1975 as a result of discussions with officers of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the executive of the CPSA. The Programme is administered by the Canadian Political Science Association and is supported by a substantial grant from the Legislative Assembly. The Programme is not associated with the Government of Ontario nor with any political party.

The Programme

The Programme is designed to provide backbench Members of the Legislative Assembly with highly qualified assistants. At the same time, by giving Interns practical experience in the day to day work of the Legislature, it provides them with the opportunity to supplement their academic training through regular academic discussions and the writing of an academic paper on a topic of their choice. Interns also have the opportunity to visit other legislatures to ensure a comprehensive knowledge of the legislative process.

Eligibility

The Internships are open to recent graduates of Canadian universities who have an interest in and a knowledge of the legislative process. While most applicants have an academic background in the political science field, we welcome applications from people of all areas of study.

Tenure

The Programme year runs for ten months from September 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

Stipend

$20,000 plus $1,000 on submission of a satisfactory research paper on some aspect of the legislative process. The stipend is regarded as a scholarship, and therefore, no deductions are made by the C.P.S.A. In addition to the stipend, interns receive financial assistance to help defray the costs of trips to other legislatures (in Ottawa, Quebec City and elsewhere), as well as travel to members' ridings if they are some distance from Toronto.

Number Available

We expect to offer 10 internships for 2011-2012. However, the Programme is entirely contingent upon external funding outside the control of the CPSA and therefore, if at any time this support is withdrawn without adequate notice to the CPSA, we may not be able to operate the Programme in its entirety. The CPSA assumes no liability for loss or damage should this occur.

Applications

Applicants must submit a completed application form and arrange for transcripts and letters of reference to be sent to the Programme office. Applications sent by fax will not be accepted. Completed applications must be received no later than February 28, 2011. Application forms can be found in the Applications section.

Page Modified: February 4, 2011.

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