Canadian Politics

A03 - Insights on Parliament and Democracy from Parliamentary Internship Programme Alumni

Date: May 30 | Time: 10:30am to 12:00pm | Location: Classroom - CL 125 Room ID: 15757

Chair/Président/Présidente : Anne Dance (Parliamentary Internship Programme / University of Ottawa)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Alison Smith (University of Toronto Mississauga)

Session Abstract: This panel looks toward the upcoming 50th anniversary of the CPSA’s Parliamentary Internship Programme to gather and showcase cutting-edge research on Parliament and democracy in Canada from its alumni. Building on their unique experience melding theory and praxis, research by this diverse selection of alumni offers distinctive perspectives on the study of Parliament and democracy in Canada. Chair details: Anne Dance is the Director of the Parliamentary Internship Programme and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Canadian and Aboriginal Studies. A Parliamentary Intern in 2008-09, she worked with Brian Jean (government/CPC) and Meili Faille (opposition/Bloc Québécois). She holds a BA (History) from St. Thomas University, a MA (History) from the University of Victoria, and a PhD from the University of Stirling’s Division of History and Politics, where she was a Commonwealth Scholar. Discussant details: Alison Smith is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. She teaches Canadian politics and social policy, and is primarily interested in researching homelessness and the changing welfare state. She completed her PhD in 2015 at l'Université de Montréal. She was a Parliamentary Intern in 2009-2010, and worked with John Weston (government/Conservative) and Bob Rae (opposition/Liberal).

Anishinaabe Perspectives on Electoral Participation: Expectations, Motivations and Observations: Brock Pitawanakwat (University of Sudbury)
Abstract: Anishinaabe worldview and the ongoing impacts of colonization influence how Anishinaabeg perceive and interact with Canada as a Settler state. The academic literature reveals that Indigenous peoples are often divided over the effectiveness of electoral participation. This research explores the expectations, motivations, and observations of Anishinaabeg who have run for office at the federal or provincial level in Canada. Qualitative interviews with Anishinaabe electoral candidates reveal their motivations to pursue political office, as well as the perceived benefits and risks for themselves and their communities. Bio: Brock Pitawanakwat (Anishinaabe - Whitefish River First Nation) was a Parliamentary Intern in 2002-03, completing placements with John Godfrey (government/Liberal) and Yvan Loubier (opposition/ Bloc Québécois). Now an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Sudbury, Brock was seconded as a researcher with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2010-13. He holds a doctorate in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria and his current research explores the intersection of Indigenous cultural revitalization, political resurgence and restoration of community well-being.

Getting People on the Inside? The Expansion of Externally-supported Internship Programmes at the Canadian Parliament: Paul Thomas (Carleton University)
Abstract: Recent years have seen a sharp growth in the number of internship programs operating at the Canadian Parliament. While providing important opportunities for young people to learn about the practice of parliamentary government, many of these programs are sponsored either directly or indirectly by external actors, including corporations and foreign governments. This paper charts the expansion of internships at the Parliament of Canada, and explores the extent to which such programs facilitate the lobbying of parliamentarians and ministers by external actors. It finds that most of the external organizations that create or support parliamentary internship programs do so as part of their broader government relations strategies. However, there is considerable variation in the extent to which interns themselves are directly involved in such efforts. Bio: Paul Thomas was a Parliamentary intern in 2005-06, completing placements with Liberal MPs Hedy Fry (government) and Andy Scott (opposition). After working in politics and government relations, he undertook a PhD at the University of Toronto, and is currently a SSHRC postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Political Science at Carleton University. Paul’s research focuses on legislative representation, MP behaviour, and political parties.

The CCF/NDP and Parliament: Towards a Left History of Canadian Politics: Jon Weier (Western University)
Abstract: In the 85 years since its founding in Regina in 1933, the CCF and its successor, the NDP, have never held power federally, and have only been the Official Opposition from 2011 to 2015. At the same time the CCF/NDP has held power in six provinces, has been represented in municipal governments countrywide, and has maintained a constant presence in Parliament. The CCF/NDP has been instrumental in passing numerous pieces of legislation and initiating programs that have become central to Canadian public and political life. Despite its critical role in Canadian politics in the twentieth century, the CCF/NDP finds itself frequently excluded from Canadian political mythologies and histories. This paper will discuss the importance of ensuring the inclusion of the CCF/NDP in our understanding of Canadian political and parliamentary histories. Bio: Jon Weier is completing his PhD at Western University on the First World War work of the YMCA. Over the course of his PhD Jon has become particularly interested in questions around the politicization of military history and commemoration, a topic he writes on frequently. He was a parliamentary intern in 2000-2001 working in the offices of Maurizio Bevilacqua (government/Liberal) and Michel Guimond (opposition/Bloc Québécois). After completing his internship he worked in Parliament for four more years, for Bill Blaikie.