Thanks to the committee for allowing me to sit today. As you know, I'm not a normal member of this committee.
I'd like to direct my comments to the Canadian Intern Association, and particularly to Ms. Seaborn.
Thank you for your outspoken advocacy in favour of unpaid interns. It's a voice that's sorely needed. We estimate that today there are up to 300,000 unpaid interns across Canada, which is a very large number.
I'd like to concentrate on your recommendation concerning extending employment standards, such as occupational health and safety standards in the Canada Labour Code, to interns and students.
As you're aware, I tabled Bill C-620, the intern protection act, earlier this year to this effect. Private member's Bill C-620 was largely inspired by the case of Andy Ferguson, whom you mentioned, an intern who was completing his practicum at a radio station and was asked to work unreasonable hours and fell asleep at the wheel.
Could you elaborate on this case and tell us more precisely how his status as a student and as an intern impacted his rights in the workplace?