UTM Political Science Student Arianne Joyce Padillo selected for The Parliamentary Internship Programme

The Parliamentary Internship Programme is a non-partisan opportunity for young people to get an inside looks at politics and policy-making in Canada. Every year, between 10-12 interns are selected through a national competition. Through the internship, they first spend 5 months working closely with a member of the government and then 5 months working with a member of the opposition. Interns also learn about different political systems through study tours, including, among other trips, to Iqaluit, Quebec, Washington, London, and Brussels. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This year, UTM student Arianne Joyce Padillo was selected to be one of the 12 interns. Fifteen years to the day after she immigrated with her family to Canada, at the very beginning of the internship, she stood on the floor of the House of Commons with her fellow interns. Arianne’s first placement is with Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden; her second placement will be with NDP member Taylor Bachrach. She planned the study tour to Toronto and is looking forward to the European study tour to London, Brussels and Belfast in the new year.

While at UTM, Arianne was a student and research assistant with Professor Alison Smith, who is an alumni of the program (2009-2010) and encouraged her to apply. Professor Smith was in Ottawa at the end of November, where she attended an alumni event with Arianne. While there, they met the Speaker of the House, Greg Fergus, and Arianne’s MP Adam van Koeverden.