Information on Indigenous Internship Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) - regarding Indigenous Self-Identification as part of the Indigenous Internship Program

  1. Who can self-identify as an Indigenous person?

    For the purposes of the Indigenous Internship Program, uses the term Indigenous in reference to the legal definition provided in Section 35(2) of the Canadian Constitution, which defines Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples as Indian (First Nations), Métis, or Inuit.

  2. Why is the Ministry asking me to self-identify?

    The intent to give Indigenous graduates equitable access and opportunity to employment at Ontario Public Service (OPS). In order to ensure the program recruits candidates from the intended recipients (i.e. Indigenous post-secondary graduates) self-identification of Indigenous heritage is necessary.

    To achieve the program goals and ensure that our recruitment practices are fair, open and transparent, it is necessary that only those individuals who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) will be considered for this position.

    With this program, the ministry takes a step toward being more representative of a significant and growing part of Ontario’s population. By supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives, will enrich and strengthen the ministry and the work of our employees.

  3. How do I self identify?

    During the application in-take process on the Ontario Public Service eCareers internet page, you will be asked to confirm your identify as an Indigenous person, as follows:

    Are you an Indigenous person:

    1. Yes (First Nations)
    2. Yes (Métis)
    3. Yes (Inuk)
    4. No
  4. How will my self-identification information be used?

    The purpose of collecting this information is related exclusively to the recruitment of eligible candidates. This information will not be shared with anyone beyond those immediately involved in hiring.

    Data on all applicants to the program may be collected by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services Talent Acquisition Branch and retained by the Strategic Human Resources Branch to help improve future program and outreach activities. However, this information will be stored and used on an aggregated, depersonalized basis only, to ensure that an individuals’ identity remains confidential.

    Furthermore, as part of Indigenous Internship Program, Strategic Human Resources staff may contact you in future to seek your voluntary participation in ministry activities or to alert you to various opportunities. This outreach, however, will not be based on your Indigenous identity but rather on your participation in an intern program.

  5. Who will have access to my information about self-identification?

    All candidate information collected is legally protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Talent Acquisition Branch and Human Resources Strategic branch will have exclusive access to this information, and it will not be used for any other purpose other than to ensure you meet key qualifications for entry into this program.

    In addition, the Hiring Manager, as well as any individual who may be aware of the job posting and/or the HR Strategic Business Branch, would be aware that all qualified candidates have self-identified as an Indigenous person. The ministry is proud of this program and will ensure that candidates are treated in a respectful, fair, welcoming and professional manner as are all ministry employees.

  6. What does the Ministry do with the information collected about self-identification?

    Your information will be securely stored only in the competition file for the respective position. As noted, this file is retained by The Talent Acquisition Branch and the Strategic Human Resources Branch and will be retained and destroyed in accordance with published schedules.

    The confidentiality of employee data is a significant matter and governed by strictly adhered-to standards. The ministry therefore uses the information only in the following manner:

    • As a starting point, this information will be used to ascertain that you are eligible to apply for the posted position.
    • Strategic Human Resources staff may use this data, in a de-personalized format, to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach and recruitment efforts.
    • Strategic Human Resources staff may provide aggregated, de-personalized information to report on the success of the Internship program and/or to suggest enhancements or program offerings.
    • Lastly, Strategic Human Resources staff may contact you directly to determine if you have an interest in participation in a data survey, specific program opportunities or other offerings being made available to individuals in the Indigenous Internship Program. Any such request for your participation will be done confidentially and your participation will be strictly voluntary.

Further questions:

For any questions pertaining to the Indigenous Internship Program, this specific posting, or self-identification, please contact the program coordinator at the ENDM Human Resources Business Branch at: ENDMHRBB@ontario.ca