Parliamentary Internship Programme Executive and Leadership Team

July, 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 - Deborah Moses
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Ian Todd
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Renee George
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Nicole Rustad
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef - John Sinclair
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Maria Abdi
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Patrick Cousineau
  • Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff - Isabelle Lapointe
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Ella Clarke
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Melanie Johnson
  • Deborah Moses - Chief of Staff

    Deborah Moses, the Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the operational framework supporting the program's mission to develop future leaders in Canadian public service. Moses oversees the strategic alignment of administrative functions, ensuring seamless execution of intern placements and academic seminar coordination. This leadership role involves managing key relationships with parliamentary offices and the University of Ottawa to facilitate a cohesive learning environment. By optimizing resource allocation and operational workflows, Moses drives efficiency across the program's national competition and selection processes. The Chief of Staff ensures that all logistical aspects of the program, from intern support to event management, align with the overarching goal of fostering public administration expertise. Moses's oversight guarantees the integrity and effectiveness of the program's delivery, contributing directly to its reputation and impact.

    Ian Todd - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Ian Todd, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, architects the strategic direction for the program's operational and cabinet liaison functions. Todd manages the intricate coordination between parliamentary stakeholders and the program's academic components, ensuring a unified approach to intern development. This role demands a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and public administration principles to effectively guide the program's strategic initiatives. By fostering robust communication channels, Ian Todd ensures that the program's objectives are met with precision and efficacy. The Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef oversees the integration of policy insights into the intern curriculum, enhancing their exposure to senior policymakers. Todd's leadership is pivotal in maintaining the program's non-partisan integrity while maximizing its educational impact on Parliament Hill.

    Renee George - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Renee George, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, spearheads the strategic management of the program's administrative and operational infrastructure. George orchestrates the seamless integration of academic learning with practical parliamentary experience for recent university graduates. This involves close collaboration with Members of Parliament to secure optimal intern placements, ensuring exposure to senior policymakers. Renee George drives the program's commitment to developing future leaders in Canada's public service and academia. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet oversees the scholarship administration and academic seminar delivery in partnership with the University of Ottawa. George's leadership ensures the program's continued success in nurturing talent and contributing to national public administration discourse.

    Nicole Rustad - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Nicole Rustad, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the comprehensive operational strategy for intern development and parliamentary engagement. Rustad ensures the program's non-partisan integrity is upheld while facilitating high-level exposure for interns to senior policymakers on Parliament Hill. This leadership position involves managing the critical interface between the program's academic objectives and its practical application within parliamentary settings. Nicole Rustad oversees the selection process, ensuring that only the most promising recent university graduates are admitted. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet is instrumental in coordinating the scholarship awards and academic seminars, fostering a robust learning environment. Rustad's focus is on maximizing the program's impact in shaping future public service leaders.

    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, supports the strategic execution of the program's operational and cabinet liaison functions. Sinclair assists in managing the complex coordination between parliamentary offices and the program's academic partners, ensuring a cohesive intern experience. This role requires a keen understanding of parliamentary dynamics and public administration to facilitate the program's objectives. By enhancing communication flows, John Sinclair contributes to the program's efficiency and effectiveness. The Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef plays a key part in integrating policy discussions into the intern curriculum, broadening their understanding of governance. Sinclair's support is vital for the program's success in developing emerging leaders.

    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 strategic oversight of the program's administrative and operational functions. Abdi ensures the effective implementation of the program's mandate to bring recent university graduates to Parliament Hill for immersive study and work. This involves managing the logistics of intern placements with Members of Parliament, providing crucial exposure to senior policymakers. Maria Abdi drives the program's mission to cultivate future leaders in Canada's public service and academia. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet oversees the coordination of academic seminars and scholarship awards through the University of Ottawa. Abdi's leadership guarantees the program's high standards and its role in developing skilled public administrators.

    Patrick Cousineau - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Patrick Cousineau, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the strategic integration of operational activities and cabinet engagement. Cousineau manages the critical flow of information and resources between parliamentary stakeholders and the program's academic framework, ensuring a unified developmental path for interns. This position necessitates a profound grasp of parliamentary operations and public administration to effectively advance the program's strategic goals. By strengthening collaborative efforts, Patrick Cousineau enhances the program's overall efficacy and impact. The Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef oversees the incorporation of policy analysis into the intern experience, deepening their engagement with senior decision-makers. Cousineau's guidance is essential for the program's continued excellence in leadership development.

    Isabelle Lapointe - Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff

    Isabelle Lapointe, the Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the program. Lapointe ensures the seamless execution of the program's core objective: placing recent university graduates within parliamentary offices for hands-on experience and academic study. This involves cultivating strong relationships with Members of Parliament to secure impactful placements, offering interns direct exposure to senior policymakers. Isabelle Lapointe champions the program's role in developing future leaders for Canada's public service and academic spheres. The Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff oversees the administration of the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and the scholarship program at the University of Ottawa. Lapointe's leadership is fundamental to the program's success and its contribution to public administration.

    Ella Clarke - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Ella Clarke, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the strategic implementation of the program's operational and administrative functions. Clarke ensures the program effectively recruits and supports recent university graduates, facilitating their immersion in parliamentary work and study. This leadership role involves managing the critical interface between interns, Members of Parliament, and the University of Ottawa's academic offerings. Ella Clarke drives the program's commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders in public service and academia. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet oversees the coordination of placements, academic seminars, and scholarship disbursements. Clarke's focus is on optimizing the program's structure to maximize intern development and parliamentary exposure.

    Melanie Johnson - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Melanie Johnson, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, spearheads the strategic management of the program's operational framework and stakeholder engagement. Johnson ensures the program's non-partisan initiative successfully places university graduates with Members of Parliament, providing invaluable exposure to senior policymakers. This role is critical in aligning the program's academic components with practical parliamentary experience. Melanie Johnson drives the program's objective of developing future leaders within Canada's public service and academic communities. The Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet oversees the administration of the Graduate Certificate and scholarship awards, working closely with the University of Ottawa. Johnson's leadership ensures the program's continued excellence and impact.

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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 Deborah Moses (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Ian Todd (Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef) and Renee George (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 Deborah Moses (Chief of Staff), Ian Todd (Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef), Renee George (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 & DE Cabinet Chef, Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet, Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet, Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef.