The Canadian International Development Agency has yet to gain approval for the renewal of its International Youth Internship Program, which has so far placed some 5,000 university graduates with non-governmental organizations in more than 90 countries. "The program is not being cut," CIDA spokesperson Jo-Ann Purcell told
, adding that "CIDA is in the process of requesting approval for the renewal of its (internship program)." An email sent by CIDA to qualified organizations stated that "project proposals will be considered on a continuing, first come first served basis" and shall be approved subject to the Treasury Board's renewal of the program, according to the Star.