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The record of achievement built by PIP alumni in the public service, academe, business, civil society, journalism and the legal profession is testament to the important role that PIP plays in developing the potential of exceptional young Canadians.
In 2017, a survey of PIP alumni addressed the question “Where are they now?”
At that time, 42% of alumni were working in the public sector both federally and provincially – including as deputy ministers, directors, and policy advisors. Two former interns had been elected to the House of Commons, two to the Quebec National Assembly, and two more had been appointed to the Senate. One alumnus was a former Chief Justice of a provincial court, while at least four others had clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada. Over one-third of those in the federal public service had enjoyed careers in foreign affairs and international relations – with a number serving as ambassadors, trade commissioners, and heads of mission abroad.
Given the Programme’s scholarly focus, it should come as no surprise that 22% of alumni were working in academia. Most were professors, post-doctoral fellows, and PhD students at universities in Canada and abroad – including Harvard, Princeton, Oxford, and the University of London. One was a former Rhodes Scholar, another a former Commonwealth Scholar, and another the current president of a public college. Others worked for think-tanks and research institutes.
Of the 21% in the private sector, many alumni were working in government relations as managers, consultants, and vice-presidents. One was the president of a national industry association. A number of others had chosen to pursue careers in the legal profession, practicing as lawyers at reputable firms across Canada. Several were currently journalists for major media outlets.
The remaining 15% of alumni were working in the not-for-profit sector. This included charities dedicated to international development, women’s rights, child protection, and adult literacy. Two were executive directors of civil society organizations striving to improve Canadian democracy.
The success of our former interns reflects the Programme’s value as an investment in Canada’s future leaders.
Parliamentary Internship Alumni Association (PIAA)
The Parliamentary Internship Alumni Association (PIAA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit association of former Parliamentary Interns.
The objectives of the PIAA are to:
- Support the goals and objectives of the Programme;
- Facilitate networking for alumni and friends of the Programme;
- Raise the profile of the Programme;
- Increase the lasting value of the Programme for current interns, former participants, and Programme sponsors; and,
- Provide alumni with opportunities to continue engagement with and give back to the Programme.
PIAA Board 2023-24
- Angelica Kalubiaka (2022-23), President
- Nina Sartor (2022-23), Treasurer
- Chris Coulson (2019-20), Secretary
- Alan Freeman (1973-74), Member-at-large
- Griffyn Chezenko (2019-20), Member-at-large
- Shona Moreau (2019-20), Member-at-large
- Morgan Ring (2012-13), Member-at-large
- Laura Smith (2006-07), Member-at-large
- Jonathan Ferguson (2021-22), Former President (ex-officio)
- Paul Thomas (2005-06), PIP Director (ex-offico)
To contact the PIAA Board, please email alumni-anciens@pip-psp.org.
Staying in Touch
To update your contact details, please email alumni-anciens@pip-psp.org. Alumni are also invited to join the PIAA LinkedIn Group and Facebook Group.
Getting Together
PIAA organizes a range of activities for fellow alumni, former Parliamentarians, Programme sponsors, and current interns: from luncheons with invited speakers to informal receptions, pub nights, and other get-togethers. The Annual Alumni Reception attracts MPs, Cabinet Ministers, business leaders, academics, journalists, and alumni from across the country.
Giving Back
PIAA gives its members the opportunity to give back to the Programme and recognize the life-shaping experience of being a Parliamentary Intern. The association organizes an annual fundraising campaign to support the Programme and help ensure current interns benefit from the same experience.
Please consider making a charitable donation to the Hales and Hurley Parliamentary Foundation, whose sole goal is to support the Programme and contribute to its long-term future. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made via the foundation’s page on CanadaHelps.org.
Hales and Hurley Parliamentary Foundation
The Hales and Hurley Parliamentary Foundation was inaugurated on May 9, 2017.
Launched by the Parliamentary Internship Alumni Association, the foundation’s sole goal is to support the Parliamentary Internship Programme and contribute to its long-term future.
It is named for the late Alfred Hales, MP, who inspired PIP’s founding in 1969, and for James Ross Hurley, the first Director of the Programme from its inception in 1969 to 1975 and a long-time friend of PIP.
The foundation is administered by the Ottawa Community Foundation, a registered charity that is well-established and provides a guaranteed financial return. The Hales and Hurley Parliamentary Foundation will become a mainstay of the Programme in the years ahead.
Research Published by Alumni
As part of the academic component of the Programme, interns complete an original research paper on an aspect of Parliament or Canadian politics. Many alumni go on to publish academic articles based on their research paper or internship experience.
Below are examples of recent articles published by alumni:
- Snagovsky, Feodor and Matthew Kerby. 2018. “Political Staff and the Gendered Division of Political Labour in Canada.” Parliamentary Affairs, gsy032, doi: 10.1093/pa/gsy032.
- Dance, Anne. 2015. “The Evolution of Parliamentary Privilege and Security on Canada’s Parliament Hill.” Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law 9 (3): 457-470.
- Hardy, Vincent. 2015. “Evaluation and Utilization of Policy Information in the Canadian Parliament: The Influence of External Policy Actors.” Canadian Political Science Review 9 (3): 99-130.
The alumni association has compiled a list of research published by alumni over the years – including in academic journals, edited books, and newspapers. If you an alumnus who has published research not included on the attached list, please send details to alumni-anciens@pip-psp.org.