UCC Launches Parliamentary Internship Program for Canadian Youth

Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ottawa.

On June 15 the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) announced the renewal of the UCC Parliamentary Internship Program aimed at providing Ukrainian Canadian youth with meaningful political experience. UCC is pleased that the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada (UNF) is a founding sponsor and will provide the interns training through the Paul Yuzyk Institute for Youth Leadership.

Interns will work in Ottawa with Members of Parliament for 10 months on policy research, communications, legislative affairs and constituency work. They will learn firsthand about Canada's Parliament and all aspects of the legislative and governmental process. Upon completion of the internship, UCC will work to place the interns in full-time rolls with MPs, in Ministerial Departments, or other public service roles within Government of Canada.

“We are very proud to launch our internship program, which will provide young Ukrainian Canadians with the opportunity to work with Members of Parliament and learn about public service,” stated Paul Grod, National President of the UCC. “I'm very pleased that the Ukrainian National Federation has agreed to be a founding sponsor of this program, and provide the necessary training and support to best prepare the interns for their work on Parliament Hill. Our objective with this program is to help ensure that the Ukrainian Canadian community continues to play a significant roll in shaping Canada's political landscape and policies for decades to come.”

“UNF is proud to partner with UCC National as a founding sponsor of its Internship Program,” said Taras Pidzamecky, UNF National President. “As part of our commitment, we look forward to taking on the task of intern orientation through the UNF's Paul Yuzyk Institute for Youth Leadership (PYI), named after the revered Ukrainian Canadian Senator who was a founding leader of our organization.”

UNF Canada will be making a $25,000 contribution to the Parliamentary Internship Program in its first year, in addition to providing training for the interns.

In order to bring more interns to Parliament Hill, we ask individuals and organizations to assist with financial support of the Program. We estimate the cost to be $28,000/intern/year. You can make an online tax-deductible contribution here or by mailing cheque to UCC C&E Trust (re Internship) to 203-952 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R2W 3P4.

Beginning in September, this program will provide Members of Parliament with highly qualified assistants, and gives post-secondary graduates an opportunity to supplement their knowledge of Parliament with practical, hands-on experience. In the months of December and January, interns will work at the UCC National Office in Ottawa, learning about community advocacy.

Intern responsibilities include working with Members of Parliament in a variety of areas, including parliamentary committees, correspondence and constituency duties. Graduates of the program will be better able to significantly contribute to public life.

This internship program is for recent post-secondary graduates. To be eligible you must be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, have recently completed a post-secondary degree and have a demonstrated interest in public affairs. Compensation is $20,000 for the 10 month program. Interested candidates must complete the application form which is available on the program website.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2017

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