Last September, five young leaders journeyed to Ottawa for the 2019-2020 GreenPAC Parliamentary Internship for the Environment. One year later, we’re checking in with our Internship alumni to talk about where they’re headed next.
Alison Gu was hired by the office of MP Jenica Atwin over the summer and is now working as a Constituency Assistant for B.C. MLA Anne Kang.
“The GreenPAC internship placement was an incredible learning experience for me. The knowledge and expertise I was exposed to on a daily basis from my MP and the staff taught me so much about environmental issues, how Parliament works, and ways to make positive change in politics. As someone who hopes to run for office in order to push for environmental justice, I feel extremely grateful for the opportunities the internship has opened up for me. Despite the COVID-induced hiatus, I feel much better prepared to understand what skills and knowledge I still need to develop and for what to expect if I make it into an elected position one day.”
George Philp was hired by the Office of MP Larry Maguire over the summer and is now starting at Dalhousie Law School in Halifax.
“Despite the unprecedented circumstances, working in the Office of MP Larry Maguire broadened my perspective of environmental leadership and provided countless new opportunities. I am looking forward to moving to Nova Scotia in the fall to study law with a thorough understanding of parliamentary procedure and the legislative process made possible by the GreenPAC Internship.”
Kirsten Snider has been hired as a Legislative Assistant for GreenPAC-endorsed MPP Jessica Bell at Queen’s Park.
“My GreenPAC internship gave me the confidence I needed to seize new opportunities, make connections with other environmental champions and get an inside look of what it takes to lead in politics.”
Crystal Lewis is moving out east for post-secondary education and still considering pursuing public office in her home community of Squamish Nation.
“As an intern who worked in Mumilaaq Qaqqaq’s office and who self-identifies as Indigenous, I am grateful for my experience, my journey and for all the lessons I learned. Mumilaaq taught me many valuable lessons over the course of the internship. She taught me what life is like on Parliament Hill for a new MP. She taught me what it means to be a good leader, to stay true to yourself and to stick to what you believe is right. She taught me how to build a strong team, and that if you take care of your staff and trust them to do a good job, your team will always come out on top. Thank you for making my experience memorable and for always supporting me, Mumilaaq and GreenPAC.”
Tesicca Truong extended her internship over the summer to work in the Ministry office of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, a GreenPAC-endorsee and Minister of Canadian Heritage.
“I’ve had an unforgettable experience with GreenPAC. From helping organize over 100 Debates on the Environment during the fall federal election to working with MP Jenica Atwin, Minister Joyce Murray (Digital Government) and Minister Steven Guilbeault (Heritage Canada), I have learned so much and been rewardingly challenged. One of many highlights was helping to plan Minister Murray’s first digital Brunch series with Dr. Bonnie Henry on COVID19 and host her second event in the series on Dr. June Francis on Uprooting Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination. Being part of the conversation and meeting with stakeholders about a COVID19 Green Recovery have been invaluable and eye-opening.”