Monika Wyrzykowska

Monika Wyrzykowska moved to Canada from Germany with her parents at age 11. Her mother tongue is Polish and Monika enjoys maintaining knowledge of her two first languages, in addition to pursuing proficiency in Canada's other official language. Monika completed a B.A. in Economics and European Studies at the University of Toronto in the hopes of working in the field of international trade or as a policy officer within a European Union (EU) institution. Her interests however began to shift to Canadian politics after spending a total of 5 months living in Quebec: first as part of a French language immersion program in Trois-Rivieres and soon after, with a 4 month long internship at the taxation department of the Ministere du Developpement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs in Quebec City. Her interest in Canadian federalism and national identity was sparked.

While enrolled in the Master of Arts program at the University of Toronto's Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, Monika continued to seek ought opportunities to broaden her knowledge of Canada. Most notably, she completed an internship at the Atlantic Council of Canada, a NATO-affiliated NGO, where she researched and wrote articles on European political developments and Canadian foreign and defence policy.

Monika is very involved in the life of the Polish-Canadian community. She has been a member of the board of the Canadian Polish Congress and is currently on the national executive of the Polish Combatants' Association in Canada. These experiences gave her insight into the political decision making process that shapes relations between the government and ethno-cultural groups in Canada. Monika hopes to expand her understanding of the Canadian political process through the opportunity afforded her by the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme.

Favourite book: 1984 by George Orwell

Favourite tv show: That 70s Show

Favourite fictional character: She-Ra

If you had to live in a movie/painting, which one would it be? Shimmering Water Algonquin Park by Lawren Harris (Group of 7)

If you were a paint colour, what would your name be? Deep Purple

Favourite Toronto intersection (could be neighbourhood, I suppose): The Annex

If you could only bring three things to a desert island, they would be... a guitar, a tarp, and a special someone

Favourite fresh Ontario produce (aka fruit or veg): Ontario peaches!