TMU Democracy Internships
Shape the future
TMU Democracy Internships offer paid opportunities to gain experience with organizations working to strengthen democratic practices and policies in Canada. Participants might be asked to take on roles ranging from reviewing and editing policy papers to event logistics or supporting important research. Participating institutions may change every year.
Key contact:
Brianne Watkins, Program and Events Coordinator, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair.
Email: brianne.watkins@torontomu.ca
Why join the internship program?
- Earn a stipend of up to $3,000
- Work up to 120 hours
- Build your resume with real-world experience
- Grow a professional network in media, public governance, not-for-profit, and other industries.
Who can apply?
Students with a keen interest in civic engagement, democratic politics and social justice are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong academic, communication and organizational skills and an interest in community-based research and advocacy.
Human Rights Learning Intern, Maytree (external link)
About the Maytree: Maytree takes a human rights-based approach to addressing the systems that create poverty with the ultimate goal of having social and economic rights safeguarded for all people living in Canada. The Human Rights Learning Program aims to support Maytree develop its capacity to provide learning opportunities that lead to change in institutions and communities.
The ideal candidate is passionate about human rights, facilitating learning opportunities, and contributing to a program that can help effect change within communities and institutions.
The Human Rights Learning Intern will assist the Lead, Human Rights Learning in conducting research, drafting of discussion materials, and coordination and facilitation of community engagement activities by Maytree. This role is hybrid (3 days in office) and will require 120 hours and will be supervised directly by the Lead, Human Rights Learning. The intern will receive a $3,000 CAD honorarium upon completion of the internship. Maytree is interested in expanding this role, for an additional paid 200 hours, depending on the intern’s availability.
To apply: Applicants must submit a cover letter outlining their interests and experience to date, CV, and writing sample.
Deadline: April 30, 2026
“My time at the Broadbent Institute as a Production Intern was deeply rewarding and influential to my career development. I was given the opportunity to fully immerse myself into the world of politics and policy-making. It was an invaluable experience.”
— Charles Liu
Broadbent Institute Internship, Philosophy, English, Current student
“The Women in the House program had a profound impact on both my academic and professional paths. It directly contributed to my acceptance into the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, one of Canada’s top programs in the field. It also supported my transition to my dream job–a career with the Canadian government.”
— Zaima Aurony
Women in the House, International Economics and Finance, Class of 2023
Founded in 2011, the Broadbent Institute is Canada's leading progressive policy and training organization. It specializes in research and analysis, education and journalism in service of Canada’s position as a diverse and inclusive society. Summer Internships are available.
Join the CIC as a Junior Research Fellow in support of their Global Democracy Program. Typically this role includes liaising with authors, drafting material for their website and social media channels, reviewing and publishing papers and supporting critical research programming as required.
Eligibility: Faculty of Arts graduate students. Research experience required.
The Democratic Engagement Exchange is dedicated to ensuring everyone in Canada can contribute to solving societal challenges. Depending on the assignment, interns may be called on to coordinate events, assist with agency promotion or contribute to social media channels.
Eligibility: Faculty of Arts upper-year undergraduate students.
Equal Voice is a national, bilingual, multi-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada. Interns may help with research, data analysis and supporting staff in making legislative recommendations.
The Maytree Foundation works to reduce poverty and inequality in Canada. Summer interns help fulfill their mandate to build strong communities by helping parse social assistance and housing data, assessing archival information from Ontario Public Accounts and more.
Eligibility: Faculty of Arts graduate students. Research experience required.
Unlock Democracy Canada advocates for democratic reforms across Canada. Their summer intern program provides opportunities to aid in research, outreach, and campaign development geared toward encouraging and increasing political engagement.
Eligibility: Faculty of Arts graduate students. Research experience required.
Women in the House empowers women-identified and gender diverse people to help bridge gender disparities in Canadian politics and leadership. Interns are responsible for program development and promotion of their mission while working in a team setting.