AMCTO and Mitacs are proud to announce that the AMCTO-Mitacs Municipal Innovation Internship Program (MIIP) has been renewed for 2026 with new interns starting in 2027.
The AMCTO-Mitacs MIIP provides full-time Ontario post-secondary students with paid part-time internships in the municipal sector. This 'win-win' program gives municipalities an important, cost-shared resource to help advance innovation projects in their organizations and offers students the opportunity to experience municipal government first-hand.
The portal for Phase 1 (intake of municipal project applications) will open in January. More information and details will be announced and available on the AMCTO website in the new year.
Introducing the 2026 Program Cohort
From January to August 2026, the inaugural cohort of students will begin their internship placements, gaining knowledge and exposure to Ontario municipal organizations, governance, and project management.
"We were thrilled to see such a positive response and high demand from students applying to these coveted internship positions. I look forward to welcoming them as new AMCTO Student members and seeing what they accomplish through the program in 2026."
- David Arbuckle, MPA
Executive Director, AMCTO
"In its inaugural year, the Municipal Innovation Internship Program is empowering five talented students to tackle complex challenges in municipalities across Ontario, applying expertise in areas ranging from AI to digital transformation to policy. Reflecting Mitacs’ commitment to fostering innovation, developing and deploying research talent, and creating lasting partnerships, this initiative strengthens connections between academic expertise and municipal government — undoubtedly inspiring the next generation of municipal leaders across specialities such as municipal planning, engineering, and civic engagement. We look forward to growing our collaboration with AMCTO and thank the host municipalities for championing research-backed innovation."
- Derek Newton
Senior Vice President, Business Development, Mitacs
AMCTO and Mitacs look forward to welcoming and working with the 2026 MIIP cohort!
| Project | Intern |
| Lifting Black Voices - City of Ottawa | Nicholas Spataro , Queen's University |
| Optimizing Community Paramedicine: Evaluating System Efficiencies & Innovation - Middlesex-London Paramedic Service | Haley Ng, Western University |
| Exploration of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in a Small, Rural, Northern Municipality - Township of Terrace Bay | Mashuk Ahmed, Lakehead University |
| Records Management Review Implementation - Municipality of North Perth | Silvia Rodrigues, Western University |
| Enhancing Engagement in Oakville: Voter and Candidate Outreach for the 2026 Municipal Election - Town of Oakville | Maryam Abouelela, Western University |
For more information or questions about the program, please contact us.