CFIB Internship in
Public Policy & Advocacy
Presented in partnership with Scotiabank
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to advocate for meaningful policy change at all levels of government?
Bradlee Whidden | 2023
"Midway through my internship I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Vancouver for the UBCM conference. I gained valuable experience in various lobbying meetings, meeting numerous politicians including the premier of BC. I also met people for the first time in person who I had been working with closely over the previous months which I though was a very interesting 21st century experience. Overall it was a highlight of my internship."
Benjamin Rousse | 2022
"One of the most rewarding experiences I had during my internship was spending a day in the field with one of CFIB’s District Managers. We had the chance to meet with several entrepreneurs who testified to the positive impact CFIB has had on their businesses. These conversations showed me the importance of the work we do at CFIB and the true purpose of our everyday fight for small and- medium businesses."
SeoRhin Yoo | 2022
"My CFIB internship presented me with the challenging opportunity of publishing a report on a topic that is normally out of my comfort zone. I was pleasantly surprised to be provided with so many tools and enthusiastic support from colleagues from all different departments. The entire process of writing, presenting, and publishing a report with CFIB helped me learn new skills as well as understand what areas I need to develop further."
Emily Boston | 2022
"During my internship I had the incredible opportunity to join the BC legislative team for a five-day trip to Whistler for the 2022 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). I attended a total of 17 meetings with mayors, councilors, and municipal officials and had the unique opportunity to present a report I co-authored to many of them. I gained valuable lobbying experience and was able to substantially expand my professional network, and for that reason it will always be an experience I look back on fondly."
Juliette Nicolaÿ | 2023
“During my internship, the team actively guided me to build my understanding of the world of small businesses and the challenges they face. I gained comprehensive insights by conducting surveys, further deepening my understanding by directly engaging with small business owners and uncovering their concerns. To advocate effectively, comprehending the intricacies of small businesses is the crucial first step.”
Alex Oulton | 2023
"One of the most exciting parts of my internship was the feature calls. throughout the internship, we had the opportunity to meet and ask questions to different career professionals. Not only was this great as we learned about many differing careers but it was also an opportunity to get mentored by experts! Having this insight into how diverse these top professionals' career paths have been as I am entering into my first jobs post-university was very inspiring!"
Take your skills from the classroom to positions of influence as a CFIB Intern!
Past Intern Publications
2023 Reports
Empowering Women in Business: Insights and Recommendations
Authored by Rameen Azmat, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, Laure-Anna Bomal, CFIB Economist
Atlantic Municipal Report: Which Municipalities are Small Business Friendly?
Authored by Alex Oulton, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern
Repenser la Loi sur la protection du consommateur : mieux l’adapter aux réalités des PME tout en préservant la protection élevée des consommateurs (French Only)
Unlocking Potential: Breaking Down Barriers to Work Across All Ages
Authored by Juliette Nicolaÿ, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern
2022 Reports
CRA Report Card, 7th edition
Authored by Harriet Finlayson, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, Michelle Auger, CFIB Senior Policy Analyst, Rachel Ng, CFIB Manager Member Information & Escalations
Help Wanted: Labour Shortages Threaten the Future of Canadian Agriculture
Authored by SeoRhin Yoo, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, Taylor Brown, CFIB Senior Policy Analyst
Municipal Business Report: Small Business Friendliness across Western Canada
Authored by Emily Boston, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, and SeoRhin Yoo, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern
Small Business Insolvencies: The Tip of the Iceberg
Authored by Benjamin Rousse, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern
2021 Reports
Alberta's Municipal Watch Report
Authored by Taylor Brown, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, and Keyli Kosiorek, CFIB Senior Policy Analyst
BC Employer-Paid Sick Leave Program – Small and Medium Business Sentiment, Concerns, and Reality
Authored by Mengyao Niu, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, Samantha Howard, CFIB VP Legislative Affairs
Canadians spent more at big box stores, less at small businesses during the pandemic: It's time to change that
Authored by Tabeena Saleem, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern
Les PME québécoises et le salaire minimum (French only)
Authored by Delphine Duhaime-Gagne, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern, Francis Bérubé, CFIB Senior Policy Analyst
Previous Years
View archive for reports published by intern cohorts from 2013 - 2018