Parliamentary Internship Programme Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Parliamentary Internship Programme has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy and operations.

Driven by a commitment to public service development, Parliamentary Internship Programme cultivates future leaders through immersive parliamentary experiences and academic rigor, shaping Canada's public administration landscape.

Leadership Roles at Parliamentary Internship Programme

  • Chief of Staff - Joseph Gainey
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Isabelle Chittaro
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Leslie Courchesne
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Ian Todd
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Maria Abdi
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Michael Hamm
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Patrick Cousineau
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Martin Bélanger
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef - John Sinclair
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Melanie Johnson
  • Joseph Gainey - Chief of Staff

    Joseph Gainey, the Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs operational strategy and administrative functions. Gainey oversees the daily operations of the program, ensuring seamless execution of intern placements and academic seminar coordination. This leadership role involves managing resources and optimizing workflows to support the program's mission of developing future public service leaders. By aligning departmental activities with the program's objectives, Joseph Gainey drives efficiency and effectiveness across all operational facets. The Chief of Staff ensures that the program's infrastructure robustly supports its educational and developmental goals, contributing directly to the success of its alumni network.

    Isabelle Chittaro - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Isabelle Chittaro, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, spearheads strategic initiatives and governmental relations. Chittaro manages key stakeholder communications and fosters relationships with parliamentary offices to secure optimal intern placements. This role demands a deep understanding of public administration and legislative processes to enhance the program's impact. By coordinating cross-functional efforts, Isabelle Chittaro ensures the program's strategic objectives are met, contributing to its reputation as a vital training ground for emerging leaders. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet's oversight extends to program development, ensuring continuous alignment with evolving public service needs.

    Leslie Courchesne - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Leslie Courchesne, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, orchestrates program development and academic integration. Courchesne ensures the curriculum and seminar content align with the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration awarded by the University of Ottawa. This involves close collaboration with academic partners and program facilitators to maintain high educational standards. By driving curriculum enhancements, Leslie Courchesne directly supports the program's goal of providing interns with advanced public administration knowledge. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet's focus on academic excellence solidifies the program's role in preparing graduates for significant contributions to public service.

    Ian Todd - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Ian Todd, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, manages the program's financial operations and resource allocation. Todd oversees the scholarship fund and ensures efficient budgeting to support intern studies and program activities. This critical function involves financial planning and oversight to maintain the program's sustainability and growth. By optimizing resource deployment, Ian Todd ensures that the program can continue to attract top talent and deliver its comprehensive development experience. The Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef's financial acumen is vital for the program's ongoing success and its ability to serve over 550 alumni.

    Maria Abdi - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Maria Abdi, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, leads the program's outreach and alumni relations. Abdi cultivates connections with past participants and external organizations to expand the program's network and influence. This involves developing strategies to engage the extensive alumni base of over 550 individuals. By strengthening external partnerships, Maria Abdi enhances the program's capacity to place interns in senior policy roles and academic positions. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet's dedication to fostering a strong alumni community amplifies the program's long-term impact on Canada's public service.

    Michael Hamm - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Michael Hamm, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the selection process and intern onboarding. Hamm oversees the national competition, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation of candidates to identify promising university graduates. This involves developing selection criteria and managing the application review stages. By refining the recruitment pipeline, Michael Hamm ensures that the program attracts individuals with the highest potential for leadership in public administration. The Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef's meticulous approach to candidate selection is fundamental to the program's success in developing future leaders.

    Patrick Cousineau - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Patrick Cousineau, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, oversees the program's operational infrastructure and logistical support. Cousineau ensures that all aspects of the intern experience, from placements to academic seminars, are managed efficiently. This includes coordinating with Members of Parliament's offices and the University of Ottawa. By optimizing logistical frameworks, Patrick Cousineau guarantees a smooth and productive environment for interns. The Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef's attention to operational detail is crucial for delivering the high-quality experience that has benefited over 550 alumni.

    Martin Bélanger - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Martin Bélanger, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, supports the Chief of Staff in managing daily operations and strategic execution. Bélanger assists in coordinating intern activities and ensuring adherence to program timelines and objectives. This role involves facilitating communication between different program components and stakeholders. By providing dedicated support, Martin Bélanger enhances the overall efficiency of the program's management team. The Deputy Chief of Staff's contribution is integral to maintaining the program's operational momentum and its commitment to developing future leaders in Canada's public service.

    John Sinclair - Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef

    John Sinclair, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, assists in overseeing financial administration and resource management. Sinclair supports the Chief of Staff in budgeting and ensuring the effective allocation of funds for program initiatives and scholarships. This involves detailed tracking of expenditures and financial reporting. By contributing to sound financial oversight, John Sinclair helps maintain the program's fiscal health and its capacity to support its participants. The Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef's role is essential for the program's sustained operational capability.

    Melanie Johnson - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Melanie Johnson, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, focuses on enhancing the academic component and seminar delivery. Johnson collaborates with faculty and guest speakers to ensure the relevance and quality of educational content provided to interns. This involves curriculum review and the coordination of academic sessions. By driving improvements in educational programming, Melanie Johnson directly contributes to the value of the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet's commitment to academic excellence reinforces the program's mission to cultivate informed and capable future leaders.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Parliamentary Internship Programme Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Parliamentary Internship Programme?
    Parliamentary Internship Programme is led by Joseph Gainey (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Isabelle Chittaro (Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet) and Leslie Courchesne (Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet).
    Who is part of Parliamentary Internship Programme’s executive team?
    The executive team of Parliamentary Internship Programme includes leaders such as Joseph Gainey (Chief of Staff), Isabelle Chittaro (Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet), Leslie Courchesne (Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Parliamentary Internship Programme have?
    Parliamentary Internship Programme has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Parliamentary Internship Programme’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Parliamentary Internship Programme includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet, Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet, Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef, Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet.