Parliamentary Internship Programme Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Parliamentary Internship Programme has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, academic coordination, and legislative placement management.

Committed to fostering excellence in public service, Parliamentary Internship Programme empowers recent graduates through rigorous academic study and direct exposure to the Canadian legislative process.

Leadership Roles at Parliamentary Internship Programme

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

    Craig Tomlinson, the Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the overarching operational framework for the national internship initiative. Tomlinson manages the daily administrative requirements of the program, ensuring that all placements with Members of Parliament align with the core mission of professional development. By coordinating between academic partners at the University of Ottawa and legislative offices, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. Craig Tomlinson oversees the selection process for national candidates, guaranteeing that the program attracts high-caliber graduates. This leadership role involves constant communication with senior policymakers to refine the internship experience. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the long-term success of the program alumni. The operational focus remains on scaling the impact of the initiative across the Canadian public service landscape while maintaining rigorous academic standards for every participant.

    Ian Todd - Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef

    Ian Todd, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef at Parliamentary Internship Programme, manages the complex logistics of intern placements within the federal legislative environment. Todd architects the internal communication strategies that connect interns with senior policymakers, facilitating meaningful professional growth. By streamlining the administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef ensures that the program remains non-partisan and highly effective. Ian Todd monitors the performance metrics of the internship placements, adjusting the operational model to meet the evolving needs of the public service sector. This position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to secure the scholarship funding necessary for the University of Ottawa academic component. Through the implementation of efficient management systems, the Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef drives the organizational capacity of the program. The focus remains on enhancing the educational outcomes for graduates entering the competitive Canadian policy market.

    Nicole Rustad - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Nicole Rustad, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, oversees the strategic integration of academic seminars with practical legislative experience. Rustad directs the curriculum development for the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, ensuring that the program content reflects current policy challenges. By managing the relationships with academic faculty, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet guarantees that the interns receive high-quality instruction alongside their parliamentary duties. Nicole Rustad coordinates the national competition process, identifying the most promising candidates for the program. This leadership role involves balancing the academic requirements with the fast-paced environment of Parliament Hill. Through the optimization of educational resources, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet supports the professional trajectory of future public service leaders. The operational strategy focuses on maintaining the prestige of the program while expanding the reach of the academic curriculum across Canada.

    Maria Abdi - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Maria Abdi, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, manages the external relations and partnership development for the organization. Abdi cultivates connections with senior policymakers and academic institutions to ensure the continued relevance of the internship initiative. By overseeing the outreach efforts, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet expands the visibility of the program among recent university graduates nationwide. Maria Abdi facilitates the networking opportunities that connect current interns with the extensive alumni network of over 550 professionals. This leadership role involves representing the program at high-level policy forums and academic conferences. Through the strategic management of external partnerships, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet secures the long-term sustainability of the initiative. The operational focus remains on building a robust ecosystem that supports the transition of interns into influential roles within the Canadian public service and academic sectors.

    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 internal administrative functions and policy implementation for the organization. Sinclair manages the day-to-day logistics of the internship placements, ensuring that all participants receive adequate support during their time on Parliament Hill. By assisting with the coordination of academic seminars, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef maintains the operational rhythm of the program. John Sinclair monitors the compliance of the internship activities with the non-partisan mandate of the initiative. This leadership role involves troubleshooting operational challenges and providing guidance to interns navigating the legislative environment. Through the diligent oversight of administrative processes, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Adjoint Du DE Cabinet Chef ensures the smooth execution of the program objectives. The focus remains on providing a stable and productive environment for all interns throughout their tenure in the national capital.

    Renee George - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Renee George, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the financial planning and scholarship administration for the organization. George manages the allocation of funds provided to support the interns' studies at the University of Ottawa, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. By overseeing the budgetary requirements of the program, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet guarantees that resources are directed toward the most impactful educational initiatives. Renee George coordinates with financial departments to maintain the scholarship program that enables graduates to pursue their academic goals. This leadership role involves rigorous reporting and accountability to the board and stakeholders. Through the precise management of financial assets, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet supports the overall mission of the program. The operational strategy focuses on maximizing the value of every scholarship dollar to foster the development of future leaders in the Canadian public service.

    Leslie Courchesne - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Leslie Courchesne, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, manages the alumni engagement and professional development initiatives for the organization. Courchesne architects programs that connect current interns with the 550-plus alumni, fostering a culture of mentorship and career advancement. By overseeing the alumni database and communication channels, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet ensures that the program maintains a strong presence in the public service community. Leslie Courchesne organizes events and workshops that highlight the achievements of former interns, reinforcing the value of the program to prospective candidates. This leadership role involves building a sustainable network that supports the long-term career growth of all participants. Through the strategic management of alumni relations, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet drives the reputation of the program as a premier training ground for Canadian policy experts and academic leaders.

    Isabelle Lapointe - Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff

    Isabelle Lapointe, the Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff at Parliamentary Internship Programme, directs the policy research and academic evaluation components of the internship. Lapointe oversees the assessment of the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, ensuring that the academic rigor meets the standards of the University of Ottawa. By managing the research projects assigned to interns, the Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff facilitates the production of high-quality policy analysis. Isabelle Lapointe coordinates with academic supervisors to evaluate the performance of interns in their studies. This leadership role involves integrating theoretical knowledge with the practical experience gained on Parliament Hill. Through the continuous improvement of the academic framework, the Chef De Cabinet and Chief of Staff ensures that the program remains at the forefront of public administration education. The operational focus remains on preparing graduates for the complexities of the modern Canadian policy landscape.

    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 public relations strategy for the organization. Clarke directs the messaging that promotes the program to universities and potential applicants across Canada. By overseeing the digital presence and media outreach, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet ensures that the mission of the program is clearly communicated to the public. Ella Clarke coordinates the production of promotional materials that highlight the success stories of interns and alumni. This leadership role involves managing the reputation of the program in the media and among key stakeholders. Through the implementation of effective communication strategies, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet supports the recruitment efforts for the national competition. The operational focus remains on increasing the visibility of the program and attracting the most talented graduates to the field of public service.

    Isabelle Chittaro - Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet

    Isabelle Chittaro, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet at Parliamentary Internship Programme, oversees the compliance and governance framework for the organization. Chittaro directs the adherence to non-partisan standards and ethical guidelines required for operating on Parliament Hill. By managing the legal and regulatory requirements, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet ensures that the program maintains its integrity and reputation. Isabelle Chittaro coordinates with the board of directors to implement policies that govern the internship placements and academic activities. This leadership role involves mitigating operational risks and ensuring that all program activities align with the mission of the organization. Through the diligent oversight of governance processes, the Chief of Staff and Cheffe De Cabinet supports the stability and longevity of the program. The operational focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in all aspects of the internship experience.

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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 Ian Todd (Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef) and Nicole Rustad (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), Ian Todd (Chief of Staff & DE Cabinet Chef), Nicole Rustad (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.