Ottawa, ON — 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:
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“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.”
Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs
“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.”
Alexia Polillo, Mitacs Intern from the University of Ottawa
“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!”
Quick facts:
- Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that designs and delivers research and training programs across Canada.
- Over its 18-year history, Mitacs has supported more than 21,000 post-secondary internships and trained more than 19,000 student and postdoctoral participants.
- Working with 60+ universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada.
- Open to all disciplines and all industry sectors, projects can span a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, business processes, IT, social sciences, and design.
- Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, along with Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, and the Government of Saskatchewan.
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