Work-integrated learning gives students hands-on experience and skills for the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow November 27, 2017 – Ottawa Canada’s talented and skilled workforce is a competitive advantage for our country that attracts investment, drives innovation and strengthens the economy.

“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.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“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.”
– Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

“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!”
– Alexia Polillo, Intern

• The 10,000 paid internships will be made possible through renewed and expanded funding provided to Mitacs in Budget 2017.

• Over its 18-year history, Mitacs has supported more than 21,000 post-secondary internships and trained more than 19,000 student and post-doctoral participants.

• In 2016–17:
     o there was $52.4 million in private sector investment across Canada through the Mitacs Accelerate program;
     o 182 fellowships were awarded to top-ranked post-doctoral fellows across Canada; and
     o 550 international interns came to Canada for 12-week research projects through Globalink Research Internships.

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Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca