The current Conservative Government is in the process of evaluating whether to continue CIDA's international internship program (IYIP) for young graduates. At present, the program is set to end in March 2009 and there is strong reason to believe that it will not be renewed (see Embassy magazine article from August 20th "Future of CIDA Internship Program Up in the Air".) With the DFAIT branch of the program having been cancelled in 2006 without explanation, the current silence on the renewal of the CIDA counterpart is of grave concern. This program is a crucial point of entry for many young grads trying to break into the field of international development. It's discontinuation imposes heavy barriers on those seeking practical experience but lacking the financial means to undertake unfunded international placements. In light of this, we demand: - That the Conservative Government renew the IYIP program immediately in order to ensure placements are provided for the 2009-10 period. - That the Government demonstrate a commitment to the program's future by developing a long-term plan for its endurance.