New AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program Promotes Talent Development in Ontario

Mississauga, ON — The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and Mitacs have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding toward the formation of a new internship program for Ontario municipalities.

Once implemented, the AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program (MIIP) will provide students interested in local government with immersive hands-on research experience, while supporting workforce development in the municipal sector. The MIIP will provide a cost-effective resource to assist research and innovation projects in advancing the modernization of municipal programs and services.

“Through this partnership, we will connect municipalities in Ontario with the talent that can help them address some of their most pressing challenges, and create increased connections between the post-secondary population and municipal governments to assist with broader recruitment challenges within the sector,” said Paul Shipway, 2024-2025 AMCTO President.

“Mitacs has a long history of working with government and post-secondary institutions to provide talent that supports innovation and research-driven initiatives within the broader public service,” said Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs. “We’re proud to partner with AMCTO to develop the next generation of municipal innovators through this new offering.”

Mitacs has committed up to $300,000 towards the MIIP, which represents 50% of funding for up to 20 part-time, eight-month (January to August) internship positions, with the other 50% coming from host municipalities. Eligible interns will be identified by post-secondary institutions seeking to partner with municipalities in innovation and/or research projects.

With the strong alignment between the MIIP and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s Workforce Development Project Roadmap, AMO has committed $15,000 to assist with the development, implementation, and administration of the MIIP.

Details related to the program’s application process, eligibility, and cost will be available early in 2025. Municipal internship applications are expected to open in the spring of 2025.

For more information, please contact amcto@amcto.com.

About AMCTO

The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) represents excellence in local government, management, and leadership. Since 1938, we have provided education, accreditation, leadership, and management expertise for Ontario municipal professionals. With 2,200+ members working in municipalities across the province, we are Ontario’s largest association of local government professionals and the premier organization for professional development in the sector.

Known as ‘The Municipal Experts’, AMCTO offers a breadth of expertise and knowledge through year-round education and professional development programming, and through our members across a range of municipal operation areas and legislative issues. We are proud to be recognized as an influential voice for local government professionals regarding key management and legislative issues affecting the sector.

About Mitacs

As Canada’s innovation organization, Mitacs connects businesses and researchers with unrivaled access to talent, financial support, and the partnerships needed to turn ideas into impactful innovations. Through unique collaborations, Mitacs is driving productivity and positioning Canada as a global innovation leader.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

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