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Announcing the launch of the Municipal Climate Internship!

We're excited to announce the launch of the Municipal Climate Internship, Canada’s only municipal internship program focused on climate action and youth leadership, in partnership with GreenPAC and delivered in collaboration with Climate Caucus and, this year, the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus. 


Climate impacts hit locally first. Municipalities, with their responsibility for issues such as land use planning, transit and waste management, have influence over about 50% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions yet have fewer resources to tackle the problem.


The MCI program gives youth 18-30 looking to build careers in local climate leadership the opportunity to work alongside municipalities and political leaders that are invested in advancing local climate solutions. 


Participants are equipped with the critical local government knowledge and job readiness skills they need to become environmental leaders in the municipal sustainability sphere, while municipalities gain the capacity to advance climate projects, helping prepare their communities for the impacts of climate change.


At the start of February, three interns started their placements in the partner municipalities of Lanark County, County of Frontenac and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. They’re already working on projects such as GHG emission inventories, planning for extreme weather events, and researching climate adaptation solutions.


Meet our 2024 Interns!


Kimberly Bray

(Cornwall, ON)


Kimberly Bray (She/They) was raised in Cornwall, ON, on the unceded and sovereign territory of the Kanien:keha’ka (Mohawk) and Wendake-Nionwentsїo (Huron-Wendat). Kimberly holds an Honors Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa specializing in biology with a minor in geomatics and spatial analysis. She is also a candidate for a Master’s of Environment in Environmental Assessment at Concordia University. As a knowledge seeker, Kimberly is pursuing a professional certificate in Project Management from the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.


She is passionate about biodiversity conservation and engages in local efforts to protect and enhance wildlife through habitat restoration and tree planting projects. A special interest of theirs is the integration of green spaces and sustainable infrastructure in municipal urban planning. Kimberly previously worked for the City of Cornwall as a researcher on green infrastructure to develop a natural infrastructure inventory and assisted with community outreach for sustainability initiatives. She has also volunteered with a number of organizations such as the Cornwall Community Police, Seaway Valley Community Health Centre, Cornwall Transition +, the Bird Friendly Committee of Cornwall, the Ottawa River Keepers.


Lalit Kumar

(Almonte, ON)


Lalit Kumar (He/Him) is from Almonte, ON, the traditional and unceded territory of the Omàmìwininìwag (Anishinaabe Algonquin) and was born and raised in India. Lalit’s passion for environmental sciences began when he first hiked the mighty Himalayas. There he got to learn about various climate change effects including the melting of glaciers, increasing temperatures and uneven rainfall patterns. Lalit has an educational background in environmental management and assessment, policy and regulation. He has worked in leadership roles within both the private and public sectors in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario, further witnessing the effects of climate change, this time across Canada. He is passionate about environmental policies and initiatives which shaped the regulatory framework of Canada. Through his work and academic experiences he has developed a strong interest in mental health initiatives and sustainable energy. Currently, Lalit is doing a Masters of Business Administration in Consulting Leadership from the University of Fredericton. He is a big outdoors person and likes to spend his time hiking or running in nature.



Tyler Lalonde

(Kingston, ON)


Tyler Lalonde (he/him) is an environmentalist based in Cornwall, Ontario, the territories of the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) and Wendake-Nionwentsїo (Huron-Wendat). He grew up in the rural community of St. Andrews West, where he learned to appreciate nature and sustainable living from his family’s sugar shack, gardening, and forestry activities. He also led a recycling education team in elementary school, which raised awareness and encouraged best practices among students and staff. Tyler began his professional career working in retail where he was empowered by his managers and grew an interest in business operations that encouraged him to study Business Administration at Algonquin College in Ottawa. 


Tyler moved to Kingston, Ontario in 2022 looking to further his education and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Lawrence College and Laurentian University, where he gained valuable knowledge and skills in management, marketing, and finance. He worked with Frontenac County Economic Development, where he supported local entrepreneurs and rural tourism initiatives, and developed an interest in municipal politics and governance. 


Tyler is passionate about protecting the environment and promoting local development. His favorite hobbies include walking and cycling on local trails, and spending time with family in Cornwall.  He is excited to learn more about the municipal sector and to make a positive difference in his region.




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