Indigenous Internship Program The Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) is a 12-month paid internship program designed to provide recent Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) post-secondary graduates, with the opportunity to gain professional level work experience and a pathway through which they can build and develop transferable skills that can be used to gain sustained employment in their field of choice.
You must self-identify as an Indigenous person to be eligible for this program. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.
Personal InformationThe Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace. To enable this commitment and advance broader organizational objectives, this dedicated internship has been created for eligible applicants who self-identify as an Indigenous person. As part of the application process, all applicants must respond to a self-attestation. Applicants who do not self-identify as Indigenous or who choose not to identify will not be eligible.
What makes working in the Ontario Public Service greatWorking in the public service has real meaning and impact on the lives of Ontarians. What we do matters, and you can grow your career here. From economic growth to health and social justice, we offer career opportunities in multiple disciplines and business areas to match your passion. Our strength is the diversity of our people and the ideas we generate. We value trust, fairness, diversity, creativity, collaboration and excellence. We are committed to be an employer of first choice.
**Posting timeline: The posting has been extended until April 11, 2023 at 11:59PM. No changes have been made to the initial posting advertisement. If you have previously submitted an application to this Job ID, there is no need to apply again**.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (2 positions at 777 Bay Street, Toronto)
• As a part of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Policy interns may participate in and support projects that contribute to a number of government priorities, including planning, building, construction, housing and accessibility. Your work will consist of a variety of activities and may include conducting a variety of research and data collection from internal and external sources; analyzing and evaluating policy information and data, conducting impact assessments, and identifying issues and trends; and drafting and preparing a range of materials to support proposed policies and initiatives, including policy reports, options papers, House Book notes, presentations and briefing materials for management. You will also develop your corporate policy and analytical skills working with a dynamic and supportive team. You will assist the team with various projects and studies; conducting research and analysis; helping to prepare proposals, communications and implementation plans; and participating on various committees and working/project groups.
Ministry of Energy (4 positions at 77 Grenville Street, Toronto)
• As a part of the Energy Networks and Indigenous Policy Branch, you will support the team in providing analysis and advice on Indigenous energy policy initiatives and issues and to undertake consultation with Indigenous communities in Ontario on energy infrastructure projects. You will collaborate on ministry policy developments and proposed legislation/regulations to ensure Indigenous perspectives and meaningful opportunities for reconciliation are promoted and considered, including any Crown duty to consult that must be fulfilled. This may require engagement with other provincial ministries, agencies and levels of government, as well as with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• As a part of the LDC Outreach and Network Branch (LDC-ON) you will work as part of a team to provide a structured network for Local Distribution Companies (LDC) policy engagement and further ministry expertise on the electricity distribution sector. You will collaborate on ministry policy developments to ensure LDC perspectives and implications of proposed policy/legislation are promoted and considered. Team members will manage communications and interactions with the sector and explore opportunities to promote efficiencies in the sector.
• As a part of the Renewables Integration and Distributed Energy Resources Branch you will be responsible for a range of policies that support the integration of renewable energy and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) (e.g. solar panels and battery storage systems) in a manner that benefits the electricity system and Ontario ratepayers. With the support of a team of dedicated policy professionals, you will lead innovative research and analysis to support senior executive decision-making related to DER projects and renewable energy policy in Ontario.
• As part of the Conservation Programs and Partnerships Branch, you will work as part of a team that develops and delivers targeted energy conservation programs, including two regulated energy reporting programs. You will assist the team with research and analysis to support a range of energy conservation initiatives, including consulting with and building effective relationships with our key partners (e.g., federal, provincial and municipal bodies, agencies and industry.)
Ministry of Mines (1 position at 99 Wellesley St. West, Toronto)
• As a part of the Corporate Policy Secretariat, you will develop your corporate policy and analytical skills working with a dynamic and supportive team. You will assist the team with various projects and studies related to northern development, mining and Indigenous relations; conducting research and analysis; helping to prepare proposals, communications and implementation plans; and participating on various committees and working/project groups.
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• You must have graduated or will complete the requirements to graduate with a degree, diploma or post-graduate certificate from a recognized or legally authorized post-secondary institution in the last five years (May 2018-June 2023).
• You must be an Indigenous person. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Analytical and research skills:
• You can provide research support to projects and branch initiatives.
• You can gather and analyze information to support the development of recommendations and resolutions to issues.
• You can interpret and apply legislation, policies, processes and procedures.
Communication skills:
• You can prepare and present various documents, including presentations, reports, summaries.
• You can clearly and concisely communicate information and recommendations.
Interpersonal and teamwork skills:
• You can establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at varying levels to seek and exchange information.
• You can participate and contribute to working groups.
Planning and organizational skills:
• You are able to plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines.
Computer skills:
• You are proficient using common office productivity software (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, presentations) to draft documents and reports, prepare presentations, conduct analysis, and perform research on the internet.
Other Summer Opportunities
We offer a variety of summer jobs in diverse career fields.
See what summer opportunities are currently available! Also, check out all the
other student and new professional opportunities offered within the Ontario Public Service.