Parliamentary Internship Programme Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Parliamentary Internship Programme has 10 executives leading key functions including legislative placement coordination, academic curriculum development, and national recruitment strategy.

Committed to fostering excellence in public service, Parliamentary Internship Programme cultivates the next generation of Canadian policy leaders through rigorous academic study and hands-on experience on Parliament Hill.

Leadership Roles at Parliamentary Internship Programme

  • Chief of Staff - Craig Tomlinson
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Ella Clarke
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Maria Abdi
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Nicole Rustad
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Isabelle Chittaro
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef - John Sinclair
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Leslie Courchesne
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Renee George
  • Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef - Ian Todd
  • Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet - Kelli Ellis
  • Craig Tomlinson - Chief of Staff

    Craig Tomlinson, the Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the strategic alignment of legislative placements with academic requirements. Tomlinson manages the daily operations of the internship office, ensuring that every participant receives high-level exposure to senior policymakers in Ottawa. By coordinating with Members of Parliament, the Chief of Staff facilitates meaningful work experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical public administration and practical governance. Tomlinson oversees the selection process for the national competition, maintaining the high standards required for this prestigious initiative. Through rigorous oversight of the program's administrative framework, the Chief of Staff supports the professional development of graduates. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with academic partners at the University of Ottawa to refine the Graduate Certificate curriculum. Ultimately, Tomlinson secures the long-term success of the program by fostering strong relationships across the political spectrum.

    Ella Clarke - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Ella Clarke, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, manages the internal communications and stakeholder engagement strategies for the organization. Clarke coordinates the integration of interns into various parliamentary offices, ensuring that each placement aligns with the specific educational goals of the program. By streamlining the administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet enhances the efficiency of the national recruitment cycle. Clarke monitors the performance metrics of the internship placements, providing essential feedback to both the interns and the participating Members of Parliament. This role requires constant interaction with the board to ensure that the program remains non-partisan and academically rigorous. Through the implementation of new operational protocols, Clarke drives the continuous improvement of the internship experience. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet strengthens the program's reputation as a premier training ground for future public servants.

    Maria Abdi - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Maria Abdi, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, oversees the academic seminar series and the delivery of the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. Abdi manages the relationships with faculty members and guest lecturers, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current policy challenges in Canada. By coordinating the logistics for these seminars, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet provides interns with deep insights into the complexities of the legislative process. Abdi monitors the academic progress of each participant, facilitating the scholarship distribution process to support ongoing studies at the University of Ottawa. This leadership role involves balancing the demands of the academic schedule with the practical requirements of the parliamentary placements. Through meticulous planning, Abdi ensures that the educational component of the program remains a cornerstone of the experience. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet fosters an environment of intellectual growth for all participants.

    Nicole Rustad - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Nicole Rustad, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, leads the alumni relations and professional networking initiatives for the organization. Rustad maintains connections with the over 550 alumni, leveraging this network to provide mentorship opportunities for current interns. By organizing professional development workshops, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet helps participants transition from the program into successful careers in the public service and academia. Rustad manages the outreach efforts to potential candidates across the country, ensuring a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool for the national competition. This role involves collaborating with external partners to secure funding and resources for the program's ongoing operations. Through the strategic management of alumni engagement, Rustad enhances the long-term impact of the initiative. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet builds a sustainable community of leaders dedicated to the advancement of Canadian public policy.

    Isabelle Chittaro - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Isabelle Chittaro, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the financial planning and resource allocation for the organization. Chittaro manages the scholarship funds and operational budgets, ensuring that the program remains fiscally responsible while delivering high-quality experiences. By overseeing the procurement of necessary resources for academic seminars and office operations, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet supports the smooth functioning of the program. Chittaro coordinates with the finance committee to report on the fiscal health of the initiative, providing transparency to all stakeholders. This leadership role involves analyzing expenditure patterns to identify opportunities for cost-saving without compromising the quality of the internship. Through the diligent management of financial assets, Chittaro ensures the long-term viability of the program. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet provides the necessary economic foundation for the continued success of the Parliamentary Internship Programme.

    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 executive team in the execution of daily operational tasks and legislative coordination. Sinclair assists in the management of the internship application process, ensuring that all documentation meets the rigorous standards of the national competition. By facilitating communication between the program office and the various parliamentary offices, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef ensures that placements are handled with precision. Sinclair monitors the logistical requirements for the academic seminars, providing essential support to the faculty and guest speakers. This role involves handling complex scheduling challenges to ensure that interns can balance their parliamentary duties with their academic commitments. Through the effective management of administrative tasks, Sinclair enables the executive team to focus on long-term strategic goals. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef ensures the seamless operation of the program.

    Leslie Courchesne - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Leslie Courchesne, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, oversees the public relations and external communications strategy for the organization. Courchesne manages the program's brand identity, ensuring that the mission of developing future leaders is clearly communicated to the public and potential applicants. By coordinating media outreach and managing the digital presence, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet increases the visibility of the program across Canada. Courchesne develops promotional materials that highlight the achievements of alumni and the value of the internship experience. This role involves engaging with stakeholders to promote the importance of non-partisan public service training. Through the effective management of the program's public image, Courchesne attracts high-caliber candidates and maintains strong support from the parliamentary community. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet ensures that the program remains a recognized leader in public administration education.

    Renee George - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Renee George, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, leads the policy research and curriculum development efforts for the academic component of the program. George analyzes current trends in public administration to ensure that the seminar topics remain relevant to the evolving needs of the Canadian government. By collaborating with academic experts, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet designs modules that challenge interns to think critically about policy implementation. George monitors the quality of the research projects produced by the interns, providing guidance and feedback to enhance their analytical skills. This role involves integrating real-world policy issues into the academic framework, bridging the gap between the classroom and the Hill. Through the continuous refinement of the curriculum, George ensures that the program provides a comprehensive education. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet prepares interns for the complexities of modern governance.

    Ian Todd - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Ian Todd, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, manages the strategic partnerships with government agencies and academic institutions. Todd coordinates the efforts to expand the program's reach, ensuring that the internship remains accessible to graduates from diverse backgrounds across the country. By fostering relationships with key policymakers, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef secures the necessary support for the program's continued operation on Parliament Hill. Todd oversees the development of new initiatives that enhance the internship experience, such as specialized workshops and networking events. This role involves navigating the complex political landscape to ensure that the program maintains its non-partisan status. Through the strategic cultivation of partnerships, Todd strengthens the program's position as a vital component of the Canadian public service ecosystem. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef drives the growth and evolution of the initiative.

    Kelli Ellis - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Kelli Ellis, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, oversees the human resources and intern support services for the organization. Ellis manages the onboarding process for new interns, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their placements on Parliament Hill. By providing ongoing support and guidance, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet helps interns navigate the challenges of their roles and maximize their learning opportunities. Ellis monitors the well-being of the participants, implementing programs that promote professional development and personal growth. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to address any issues that may arise during the internship period. Through the effective management of intern support services, Ellis ensures that every participant has a positive and productive experience. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet fosters a supportive environment that enables interns to excel in their roles.

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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 Craig Tomlinson (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Ella Clarke (Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet) and Maria Abdi (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 Craig Tomlinson (Chief of Staff), Ella Clarke (Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet), Maria Abdi (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 and Cheffe De Cabinet, Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet.