The OLIP interns appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jill Zelmanovits, an accomplished OLIP alumna whose career spans law, non-profit leadership, and global humanitarian work. During our meeting, we were grateful to discuss Jill’s impressive career trajectory, where she offered valuable insights on navigating strategic, legal, and governance-focused roles. Following OLIP, Jill began her professional journey by pursuing law, practicing at Fasken Martineau and later at L

As our final meeting of the Ottawa Study Tour, the OLIP interns had the honour of meeting with MP Yves-François Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Québécois. Formerly a teacher and columnist for Le Nouvelliste, MP Blanchet rose to a political career in 2008, most recently securing leadership in 2025 for the third-largest party in Parliament. Our conversation offered a nuanced glimpse into Québec’s politics on a federal platform. We discussed the balance between environmental an

During our Study Tour in Ottawa, a notably unique experience the interns enjoyed was visiting the U.K. High Commission. We were honoured to have the opportunity to explore the new establishment on Sussex Drive, comprising a state-of-the-art building within the Earnscliffe National Historic Site. Following a brief tour of the building, the interns had the opportunity to meet with Deputy High Commissioner, David Prodger; and Diplomats, Giorgia Racis, Cameron Ballester, and D

During our Ottawa Study Tour, the interns had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Senate of Canada, where we explored the historical foundations, function, and ceremonial traditions of one of Canada’s most significant democratic institutions. As we entered the beautifully restored building, once Ottawa’s iconic train station, we were greeted by a Senate guide who introduced us to the chamber’s unique architectural blend of heritage and modern design. We learned about the s

This November, the OLIP interns had the privilege of meeting with Peter Rekai, an alumnus from the very first OLIP cohort of 1976–1977, and has since enjoyed an extensive and interesting career defined by service to newcomers and care for his community. Peter holds a BA from Trinity College, and after completing OLIP, graduated from Queen’s Law School in 1980 before articling at a large downtown Toronto law firm. His early career reunited him with Queen’s Park, where he spen

During our study tour in Ottawa, the interns were delighted to meet with Gabriela Loredana Alexandru, Head of Political Affairs Section, Delegation of the European Union to Canada. With the capital city horizon behind us, the EU hosted us at a roundtable of member states. It was an opportunity to discuss Canada-EU relations at their heart, as well as raise our own interests as they related to international relations, trade policy, and other political areas. Over the course o

During our Ottawa Study Tour, the interns enjoyed a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, where we learned more about the history, role, and inner workings of Canada’s highest court. As we stepped into the grand building overlooking the Ottawa River, we were welcomed by a Supreme Court guide, who walked us through the institution’s rich history. Although the Court was established in 1875, it did not become the final court of appeal until 1949, meaning Canadians could still ap

As we stepped into November, the interns had the distinct privilege of meeting The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario! Premier Ford welcomed us into his office and generously took the time to speak with us about his path into politics, the major issues facing Ontario today, and the many questions we brought with us. Our discussion touched on the province’s economic outlook, the principles that guide his work as Premier, and his priorities for the Ontario Progressive Con

In early October, the OLIP interns had the distinct honour of meeting the Right Honourable David Peterson, the 20th Premier of Ontario who served from 1985 to 1990. During our conversation, Mr. Peterson walked us through his career journey, sharing thoughtful insights about the experiences that shaped his path to becoming Premier. His story began in sales, followed by the founding of a wholesale electronics business, his election to London City Council, and eventually his ent

Between September 22 and October 17, I had the privilege of working with the Legislative Research Branch at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This experience offered a unique perspective into the intersection of policy and politics, as well as the non-partisan role research plays in the democratic process. As a knowledge center in Queen’s Park, Legislative Research publishes publicly accessible Provincial Affairs Briefings (PABs), addresses confidential queries posed by Me

Over the past month, I have had the privilege of completing my Legislative Assembly placement with the Parliamentary Counsel Branch, alongside my wonderful colleague, Keana. Parliamentary Counsel plays a vital role in supporting the Legislative Assembly’s independence from the executive branch, providing expert legal advice and guidance to ensure that the Assembly can carry out its legislative and oversight functions in accordance with constitutional and parliamentary princip

For my Assembly Placement, I was lucky enough to be placed with the Table Research Office. While there, I worked with Clerk Tori Llewellyn (also an OLIP alumni), on several projects. My main focus was preparing a presentation on the typical Day in the House for my fellow Interns. For this project, I combed through the Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the procedural rules for the House, to understand what happens on a day-to-day basis. To elaborate on th

For my Assembly Placement, I was incredibly lucky enough to be placed with the office of Parliamentary Counsel, alongside my fellow intern Bianca. Parliamentary Counsel is the legal office of the Assembly, representing them in legal matters and providing professional legal advice to the Assembly. While this doesn’t include advice on personal legal issues towards a Member as one may think, it does encompass many other things: drafting Private Member’s Bills, advising on consti

Last Friday, the OLIP interns were grateful to tour the Bruce Power nuclear site on the shores of Lake Huron in Tiverton, Ontario. We gained an insightful perspective into its operations, with the focus on safety, innovation, and community impressed upon us from the moment we arrived. Bruce Power generates 30% of Ontario’s electricity, providing one in three homes, hospitals, and businesses with clean, reliable power. Formed in 2001, it is 100% Canadian owned and employs over

As part of my placement with the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, I’ve had the privilege of working with the Legislative Protective Service (LPS), a division that plays a vital role in safeguarding the Assembly’s people, spaces, and democratic processes. While LPS is best known for its operational and security functions, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to its policy development work, which is just as critical to its mission. One of my first assignments was helpi

Over the past month, I have had the pleasure of working with the Committee Clerks division of the Office of the Assembly’s Procedural Services Branch. At Queen’s Park, the Procedural Services Branch is responsible for providing procedural advice to the House and to legislative committees. My placement was with the committee clerks, who provide procedural advice to each standing and select, committee at the Ontario Legislative Assembly. During my placement, I had the opportun

Over the past month, I had the pleasure of completing my Legislative Assembly placement with the Canadian Parliamentary Review (CPR). The CPR is a non-partisan quarterly publication for the Canadian Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association. It fosters academic inquiry into Canadian parliamentary institutions at the provincial, territorial, and federal levels. During my placement, I had the opportunity to contribute to the Winter 2025 theme issue on inclusive pa

From September 22 to October 17, I had the privilege of completing my Assembly Placement at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (LAO) with the Parliamentary Protocol and Public Relations (PPPR) Office. One of the Legislature’s most dynamic, multi-faceted branches, PPPR connects Ontarians with their parliament via various public-facing initiatives—from themed tours, educational sessions, and community outreach to diplomatic protocol, celebratory events, and flag-raising ceremo

For my Assembly placement I had the absolute pleasure of working in the Legislative Library, which is not only a beautiful space in the main building of Queen’s Park, but also houses a unique branch of the Office of the Assembly. The Legislative Library provides non-partisan and confidential informational services such as research and analysis to all Assembly staff and MPPs. As a repository of information, the library also distributes news in the form of press clippings as we

For my assembly placement, I had the absolute pleasure of working with the Information Services (IS) Branch at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. As part of the Information and Technology Services Division, the IS Branch ensures that Assembly data is effectively managed, preserved, and made accessible to MPPs, staff, and the public. The branch also designs and manages the Assembly’s custom applications, enterprise systems, and websites, while providing expertise in digitiza