Through the auspices of Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons, intern Ireland Bellsmith is getting a firsthand look at how constituency work and service operates.
Bellsmith, who has recently completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at University of the Fraser Valley, after graduating, moved to Victoria to pursue the BC Legislative Internship Program, and recently spent four weeks working at BC Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Currently, she is working with the BC NDP caucus research and communications team in a nonpartisan capacity. Her internship is six months in duration.
“I’m really enjoying the internship so far,” said Bellsmith. “It’s good to see everything from the ground level.”
She said she started off in the Vancouver-Hastings area and now is in a more remote constituency. She said seeing that side of constituency work is “really cool.”
Bellsmith found out about the internship program through an email from a career counsellor and investigated it independently. She said a lot of people entering the program come from a political science background, but it’s open to anyone from any background.
“It teaches you about other areas you might not have reached or have access to in your university program,” said Bellsmith. “I wanted to have a better idea of how legislation is passed and what policy work is like. I’m learning about the background of our democratic institutions. I wanted to take some time to educate myself about that.
“I’m also super interested in public service work. This is a really great program for someone who wants to explore public service work.”
Constituency work is really interesting, added Bellsmith.
“For me, with a social justice and criminal justice background, to have a more generalist perspective of what goes on in communities, it gives you a better idea of how you can help social issues, by having a perspective of everything that is going on,” she said. “It definitely piques my interest.”
In the Powell River-Sunshine Coast constituency, Bellsmith said she has heard about close-to-home issues, whereas when she was placed in a Vancouver constituency, the issues were a little bit more provincially focused. She is with Simons in the constituency for one week.
Bellsmith said she initially met Simons in Victoria when he stopped by the “intern den.” She became reacquainted with him at the beginning of her constituency placement in Sechelt.
The placement in Simons’ constituency environment is fulfilling for Bellsmith. She said being on the government caucus side is interesting. She is learning a lot more about communication and research, which is building her skillset.
She said because she’s come from a social justice background, she’s very interested in learning more about environmental issues.
“Being on the Sunshine Coast has been ideal,” said Bellsmith. “I feel like I’m in the heart of nature here. Being able to explore this area and some of the issues the communities here are facing, such as climate impacts and environmental concerns in general, is kind of where I’m looking to explore.”
Postive program
Simons said he would have liked to have had this program when he was finishing university.
“It’s a really good opportunity for people to get an idea of how government works,” said Simons. “You can learn about it in textbooks but being able to be immersed into it provides an interesting and unique perspective.
“It’s fun having interns here to help with the work being done. It’s generally a good, positive program for people in government and the legislature, as well as for the interns themselves.”
Simons said he always enjoys introducing people to the coast and to the issues he’s particularly interested in.
“I learn a lot from interns, and I hope they can learn something from the experience that I have,” said Simons. “It’s always fun to be part of this program. It’s something that I hope students from the Sunshine Coast think about when they are going through their postsecondary programs.
“If people understand the democratic system, they are more likely to appreciate it and be part of it,” he added. “That’s why I think this program is important.”
Rob Hill, Simons’ constituency assistant in Powell River, went through the internship program in 2016. He said he wanted to have a career in politics. The program opened the door for him to get to know people inside of the political system.
“When an opening came up here in Powell River, I had the connections with Nicholas to apply and know that he, when considering me, had already worked with me in some capacity,” said Hill.
Bellsmith said she would encourage any student who has graduated university to consider the program.
“No matter what discipline or background you come from, it’s of interest, because you’re really learning about the province,” she added. “It’s so helpful in life, not only for my career. This is an unmatched experience.”
