Hmm. So I did a little digging.

I found https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/internships.php

If an employer provides an intern with training in skills that are used by the employer's employees, the intern will generally also be considered to be an employee for purposes of the ESA unless all of the conditions below are met:

1. The training is similar to that which is given in a vocational school.
2. The training is for the benefit of the intern. You receive some benefit from the training, such as new knowledge or skills.
3. The employer derives little, if any, benefit from the activity of the intern while he or she is being trained.
4. Your training doesn't take someone else's job.
5. Your employer isn't promising you a job at the end of your training.
6. You have been told that you will not be paid for your time.

italics = debatable

strikethrough = condition met

bold = you need to read this!

Maybe the person you were talking with is autistic? Anyways, good luck!