What is the difference between a volunteer and an intern?

With intensifying public scrutiny of internships, the federal government was recently compelled to ensure greater protection of interns, under the Canada Labour Code (CLC). Yet more must be done to bring greater clarity to the difference between unpaid internships and volunteerism - none of which are mentioned in the CLC. That may be why members of parliament are currently focused on ensuring new legislation that guarantees fairness and equity for all workers.

 

To provide clearer, more definitive guidelines for the employment of unpaid interns, the 2015 federal budget was recently presented with a promise to amend the CLC. But where is the line drawn between an unpaid intern and a volunteer? Follow our flowchart to discover the difference.

  

 

Although there are unique differences, the key distinction between a volunteer and an unpaid intern is training. Amendments to the CLC would ensure that unpaid internships only fulfill the requirements of an educational program, by providing interns with workplace-based learning experiences. Volunteers, on the other hand, do not require formal training, as they are often motivated by personal causes, rather than professional goals.

 

Volunteer positions and unpaid internships are equally important elements of Canada's social conscience and economic framework, but they simply cannot be used to replace real jobs. It is for this reason that Career Edge is endorsing the CLC amendments, as these changes will ensure greater protections for workers, without limiting the number of opportunities available - paid or unpaid.


Visit our resources section for our Volunteer or Unpaid Intern Flowchart, or consult our handy checklists to make sure your opportunities are aligned with the CLC.
 
Get the Most Out of...
Your Summer Interns

As the temperature outside rises, employers are warming up to the summer internship season; but four months doesn't always leave much time to make a real dent in many of those summer projects. Now you can visit our blog for tips and information on making the most of your summer interns.
Your Update On...
Bill C-59

The federal government tabled its budget implementation bill (Bill C-59) that includes - among many suggested changes to legislation - an amendment to the Canada Labour Code that would ensure strengthened employment standards for unpaid interns across the country. This amendment, added to existing legislation, would limit unpaid internships to four consecutive months in length and would require them to be exclusively associated with a college or university training program.

 

We will continue to follow the progress of Bill C-59 closely. In the meantime, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to stay up-to-date on our government's steps towards ensuring fairness and equity for interns in Canada.



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The information provided in this newsletter and on www.careeredge.ca is not intended to provide or replace legal advice. The facts of your employment practices are important and may affect how the law applies. Therefore, general statements of law and comments made in materials on this website or information accessed through links on this website to other resources should not be considered a substitute for getting specific legal advice on your particular employment situation from a qualified lawyer.




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