Federal government creates 10,000 paid internships for Canadian students and recent graduates

Work-integrated learning gives students hands-on experience and skills for the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow

OTTAWA, Nov. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's talented and skilled workforce is a competitive advantage for our country that attracts investment, drives innovation and strengthens the economy.

That's why our government is investing in Canadians—to make sure our students and recent graduates have the skills they need for the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, today announced the creation of 10,000 paid internships to help Canadian students better prepare for the modern-day workforce.

Fulfilling a budget commitment, the government is investing $221 million in Mitacs, which will help it meet its goal of creating 10,000 paid internships per year by 2020–21, providing our students with career-building opportunities while also helping our companies innovate and compete globally.

The program is based on proven outcomes—such as creating jobs and developing skills—and has become a key factor in building our country's capacity for innovation and in driving our long-term prosperity.

Quotes

"Through these 10,000 paid internships, Canadian students will get the hands-on learning experience and skills required to successfully transition from the classroom to the workforce. Investing in the talent of tomorrow is the best way of spurring innovation, strengthening our economy and growing the middle class."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"The support announced today by the Government of Canada will help connect top talent from Canadian post-secondary institutions to businesses and not-for-profit organizations. This investment in Mitacs' work-integrated learning programs will help deliver 10,000 internships per year, enabling students to develop skills to launch their careers and companies to innovate and compete globally."
– Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

"As a current internship student, I know first-hand that the practical experience I've gained will bridge the gap between my academic life and my future employment as part of Canada's workforce. The government's commitment to creating 10,000 internships per year will give me and my colleagues the opportunity to gain the invaluable skills we need for the jobs of tomorrow. This funding is a direct investment in our future!"
– Alexia Polillo, Intern

Quick facts

• The 10,000 paid internships will be made possible through renewed and expanded funding provided to Mitacs in Budget 2017.
• Over its 18-year history, Mitacs has supported more than 21,000 post-secondary internships and trained more than 19,000 student and post-doctoral participants.
• In 2016–17:
• there was $52.4 million in private sector investment across Canada through the Mitacs Accelerate program;
• 182 fellowships were awarded to top-ranked post-doctoral fellows across Canada; and
• 550 international interns came to Canada for 12-week research projects through Globalink Research Internships.

Follow the department on Twitter: @ISED_CA

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home