Q: What is the Conservative Internship Program?
A: The Conservative Internship Program is an opportunity to get a hands-on education about politics and parliament while attending educational programming, all the while getting to know fellow conservative youth from across Canada.

Q: What does a typical summer entail for a Conservative intern?
A: Interns work 40 hours a week for their employers.  After work and on weekends interns can expect hear from high-profile speakers including politicians and political operatives. Interns also participate in an intensive summer-long group project outside of work hours. In addition, interns will take part in political training workshops a few weekends throughout the summer. Further, there are several volunteer opportunities which the interns will be encouraged to participate in throughout the summer.

Although the Conservative Internship Program can be demanding, it is also extremely rewarding. Interns who work hard and seize the opportunity are recognized and rewarded. In fact, some of Ottawa’s most senior staff members are former Conservative Party interns.

Q: Is this a paid internship?
A: As general rule offices pay interns $1,700 per month.

Q: Does the program cover any additional travel costs to return home during the summer?
A: No. In applicable cases, the program only covers your initial travel to Ottawa and return home at the end of the summer.  Any travel throughout the summer is to be done with your own time and money.

Q: Are there any costs to participating in the internship?
A: A $50.00 programming fee is collected from each intern on the first day of the program. This fee covers administrative costs associated with your internship, including participation in political workshops that are otherwise quite costly.

Q: Does the internship provide housing in Ottawa?
A: No. When moving to Ottawa you will be required to find and pay for your own accommodation. However, there is affordable housing within the Parliament Hill area, including sublets at the University of Ottawa residences.
Sublet rent ranges from $300-$600/month.

Q: What do I need to be eligible to apply to the internship?
A: If you are registered as a student in a recognized post secondary institution and are currently a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, you are eligible to apply.

Q: How do I purchase a Conservative Party of Canada membership?
A: Go to the www.conservative.ca and click on “Become a Member” to sign up online.

Q: How can I check to see if my membership has elapsed?
A: Call the Membership Services department at 1-866-808-8407.

Q: I don’t know my Conservative Party of Canada membership number. What should I write on the application form?
A: Please call Membership Services at 1-866-808-8407 to ask for your membership number.

Q: If I am graduating from university or college in April am I still eligible to apply?
A: Yes.

Q: If I am graduating from high school in spring 2011 have been accepted into a post secondary institution for fall 2011, am I eligible to apply?
A: Unfortunately no, it is required that all interns be in Ottawa and able to work full time starting the first week of May.  Please apply next winter!

Q: When does the program run?
A: The program runs for four months, from May 2, 2011 until August 26, 2011.  Please note Orientation day is April 29, 2011.  Except in extreme circumstances, attendance for the entire duration of this period is absolutely mandatory.

Q: What is the application process for the internship?
A: The application process includes completing the application form (found on the CPC Energy website - www.cpcenergy.ca,) writing four short essays, (as outlined on the application form) and including a CV and cover letter. At least one political reference is recommended.  This person could be a Conservative Member of Parliament, Senator, Candidate, National Councilor, campus club president, campaign team member, or a director from a Conservative Electoral District Association.

Q: Does the political reference need to supply a letter?
A: It is helpful to have a letter from your reference, but not required.  All references will be called, so a reliable phone number and/or email address should be provided.

Q: I am still eligible to apply even if I do not have a political reference?
A: You are still eligible for the Conservative Internship Program; however the strongest applications will provide at least one reference.

Q: If I am not accepted into the internship this summer can I apply next year?
A: Yes!  The Conservative Internship Program is extremely competitive and often it takes applying a second time around to be successful. If you don’t make it in the first time, please try again next year.

Q: After submitting my application, what is the next step?
A: After the deadline, all applications are reviewed and some candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. Successful applicants will be notified in early April.