Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a member of parliament but also as a former parliamentary intern.
Thirty years ago, inspired by Alf Hales and James Hurley, this House passed a motion creating the parliamentary internship program. The program is now run by the Canadian Political Science Association and gives young people an inside look at our parliament.
Today there are 300 alumni across the country and around the world. They are leaders in government, academia, business, law, advocacy and diplomacy.
A Parliamentary Internship Alumni Association was launched on May 13 to promote strong connections among current and ex-interns. The event took place in the house where Sir John A. Macdonald lived and was attended by 100 ex-interns. It was a great success thanks to help from the British High Commission and the Institute on Governance.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank you for agreeing to serve as the association's honorary patron.