��Ʒ������

The Wilson Foundation established the L.R. Wilson Internships to provide students in the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) program opportunities to gain practical experience and explore their interests in public policy and public service. 

The internship is named to honour Lynton “Red” Wilson (April 3, 1940 – February 9, 2026), who had a long and celebrated career in both the public and private sectors. This included roles with Canada’s Department of Trade and Commerce, with Canadian embassies in Austria and Japan, and serving as deputy minister of Ontario’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Wilson’s roles in the private sector included leadership positions with the Bank of Nova Scotia, BCE, CAE, and serving on many boards. Wilson co-founded the Historica Foundation of Canada and was a former Chancellor of McMaster University. ��Ʒ������ conferred Wilson with an honorary degree in 2000. He is remembered as a strong supporter of post-secondary education. 

For ��Ʒ������ students, the L.R. Wilson Internships are highly sought after opportunities and a prestigious offering of the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Internships are valued at $10,000 each.

Recent recipients of the L.R. Wilson Internships include: 

Nathan Lane
Interned in the office of New Brunswick MLA David Hickey, meeting with and assisting constituents and supporting the MLA at key meetings. “I really appreciate the funding that made my summer internship possible. Because of it, I was able to have an experience that I enjoyed while learning about possible career paths that complemented my ��Ʒ������ degree. I also felt that I was able to contribute to the community, which was very rewarding and gave me a great sense of purpose.”

Lucas Orfanides
Interned with the Canadian Bankers Association. “A huge thank you to the donors. This internship gave me invaluable exposure to public policy, helped refine my career goals, and provided real-world experience in an organization that plays a central role in Canada’s financial system. Most importantly, it gave me the chance to contribute directly to meaningful work, from research that can guide policymakers on issues of financial stability to public initiatives that protect seniors and strengthen financial literacy.”

Rebecca Wolf Gage
Interned in the office of MP Elizabeth May. “My internship with MP May was foundational to my development as a PPE student. Throughout the summer, I contributed to a wide range of responsibilities, from engaging with constituents and drafting correspondence to assisting with research on policy issues. Every week brought new opportunities to learn and contribute, and I took pride in helping the office stay responsive and connected to the community. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for public service but also reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career where I can bridge policy, law, and community engagement.”

Bridget Powning
Collaborated with Community Forests International, an environmental forestry group, on a project that combined Powning’s research abilities as a PPE student and artistic talents as a sculptor. “I am so grateful that I have been able to access funding to do things that are closely tied to my interests and aspirations. There are not very many summer job opportunities that allow me to combine all three of my academic areas in PPE with environmentalism and art.” Powning is interested in pursuing a career in environmental law.

Lucas Reynolds
Interned with NB Media Co-op, an independent media organization in New Brunswick, where Reynolds worked as a journalist. “The appreciation I now have for New Brunswick and journalism in general is something I will bring with me throughout my life. If my reporting played any part in helping New Brunswickers, it is only because of the opportunity this internship gave me.”

Liam Clark-Black
Business development intern with the Halifax Tides FC. “I’ve loved competitive sports since I was four years old, and I realized a couple years ago I wanted to turn that passion into my career. As a PPE student, I think I’m very well prepared to thrive in a variety of different work environments, and I was eager for the opportunity to help rally the community around the first ever professional women’s soccer team in Atlantic Canada.”

Learn more about the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. 

Learn more about donor-funded internships at ��Ʒ������ and how students can apply.