Mr. Chair, our government is working on regulations that would protect unpaid internships when it is appropriate to do so. An internship is a short-term, workplace-based learning experience, which enables an individual to acquire knowledge or experience. They include co-ops, work placements, and job shadowing. They often are part of an educational program. Therefore, the amendments to the Labour Code will specify that an unpaid internship can be offered under two circumstances: where it is part of a program approved by a recognized secondary or post-secondary education institution, in cases where the internship does not exceed four months and is primarily for the benefit of the intern.
In the House of Commons on May 25th, 2015. See this statement in context.