In the province of Quebec, interns have protections under the Act to Ensure the Protection of Trainees in the workplace while completing an internship in the workplace.
The law grants interns rights equivalent to those provided under the act Respecting Labour Standards in regards to short-term leave, as well as psychological or sexual harassment.
Every trainee is entitled to a training environment that is free from psychological or sexual harassment.
Every trainee is entitled to leave for events that occur during the training period.
External Resources
Resources at McGill
Internships Under Federal Jurisdiction
As an intern or student intern, you receive protections under the federal labour standards for interns and student interns. All federally regulated employers are required to follow the Canada Labour Code and meet the labour standards regarding occupational health and safety, standard hours, wages, vacations and holidays.
- Interns (definition): Individuals seeking to obtain knowledge or experience through a temporary placement in a workplace that is not part of an educational program. They will have the same labour standards protections as employees, including the right to be paid at least the minimum wage.
- Student interns (definition): Students undertaking a temporary placement in a workplace that fulfills the requirements of an educational program. They may be unpaid and will be entitled to certain labour standards protections set out in the new regulations.
Support and Assistance
If you have questions or concerns, you can always contact your internship advisor or contact CaPS.