Liberty & Leadership Seminar
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Liberty & Leadership Seminar 2025

A week-long seminar for students and young professionals

May 25th, 2025 - May 30th, 2025

Applications are open

The Liberty & Leadership Seminar is an annual, week-long seminar that teaches participants about the need for leadership and engagement to sustain and strengthen our democratic institutions and processes, and provides a solid overview of the economic, philosophical, and political underpinnings of classical liberalism. It is open to students and young professionals 18 years and older. It is free of charge for those selected to attend, with meals and accommodation included for the entire week.

Montreal

Spend a week in historic Montreal, Canada’s bilingual and bicultural metropolis, which combines natural beauty with stunning architecture and a world-renowned restaurant scene.

Fellow Up & Comers

Meet dozens of like-minded students and young professionals also interested in democracy and classical liberalism.

Renowned Speakers

Learn from an impressive lineup of thinkers who are dedicated to imparting their knowledge and wisdom to the next generation of Canadian leaders.

About the Liberty & Leadership Seminar

The Liberty & Leadership Seminar is for students and young professionals with an interest in learning more about responsible government, sound economics, and individual freedom.

Successful applicants will spend a week attending talks by some of Canada’s leading thinkers. Sessions will explore the philosophy of classical liberalism and its advocacy of private property, free markets, and civil liberties, as well as the need for leadership and engagement to sustain and strengthen our democratic institutions and processes.

The Liberty & Leadership Seminar offers a unique chance to network with like-minded peers, academics, political actors, and think tank representatives in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of free time and nightly social activities.

By the end of the week, participants will have developed their knowledge, confidence, and networks, and be better equipped to be engaged in our country’s civic life.

The next Liberty & Leadership Seminar will run from Sunday, May 25th, 2025 to Friday, May 30th, 2025.

FAQ

THE LIBERTY + LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

What is the Liberty + Leadership Program?

The Liberty + Leadership Program is an initiative developed by the MEI to cultivate the next generation of leaders who are passionate about responsible government, sound economics, and individual freedom. The program is built upon three pillars: an annual seminar, internships, and a mentorship program.

THE SEMINAR

Who can attend the Liberty & Leadership Seminar?

The Liberty & Leadership Seminar is open to up to 50 students and young professionals every year. Attendees must be over 18 by the time the seminar begins.

How much does the Liberty & Leadership Seminar cost?

The Liberty & Leadership Seminar is entirely free for participants. Lunch, dinner, and accommodation are provided free of charge.

Are travel grants available?

Participants are responsible for making their own way to and from Montreal, but special arrangements can be made for those who are unable to pay their travel costs in full.

How competitive is the application process?

The application process for the Liberty & Leadership Seminar is competitive, but if you are talented and enthusiastic, we encourage you to apply. It is to your advantage to apply early, as participants are selected as and when applications come in.

How many lectures are there each day?

There are 4 sessions most days, each lasting between one and one and a half hours.

Is the Liberty & Leadership Seminar partisan?

No, the Liberty & Leadership Seminar has no ties to any political party, and does not exist to serve any party’s political agenda. It is concerned with ideas, principles, and theories, which any party could put into practice.

What is expected of Seminar participants?

Liberty & Leadership Seminar participants are required to remain in Montreal for the duration of the seminar. No exceptions will be made. While in Montreal, participants must attend all lectures and evening meals. For those enrolled in summer school, the expectation is that they will make the necessary arrangements to be absent from any classes that overlap with the seminar. For those who are working, the expectation is that they will arrange with their employer to be off work for the duration of the seminar. Absences from multiple lectures, activities, or meals will not be tolerated.

Do I need to have studied economics or politics?

No. There are no specific academic requirements. Participants need only be enthusiastic to learn about classical liberalism and our democratic institutions and processes.

Is there any preparatory reading?

A preparatory reading list will be shared in the month prior to the seminar. Should you wish to familiarize yourself with some of the ideas and concepts that will be discussed during the week, the MEI’s 18 Essential Classical Liberal Thinkers is a good place to start.

THE INTERNSHIPS

Who is eligible for an internship?

Anyone who applies prior to February 3, 2025 at 11:59pm EST will be considered for an internship.

When will the internships take place?

The majority of our internships will be conducted during Summer 2025. On a case by case basis, some internships may be offered to seminar participants during Fall 2025 and Winter 2026.

Are the internships paid?

Yes!

Where will the internships take place?

We have a variety of partner organizations who have agreed to take on an intern as part of the program. These partner organizations include private corporations, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and more.

THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

What is the mentorship program?

The mentorship program selects a small number of the most promising seminar participants and connects them with seasoned leaders for one-on-one mentorship.

This is delivered through a structured process that helps participants develop robust leadership skills; receive insights, advice, and support to navigate their career trajectory; and make the key strategic connections that are critical to sustained career success.

Who is eligible for the mentorship program?

Mentees will be selected from the top participants in the Seminar. Anyone who attends the Seminar will be considered for the mentorship program.

The Organizers

Who organizes the Liberty & Leadership Seminar?

The Liberty & Leadership Seminar is organized by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI). It aims to introduce participants to our democratic institutions and processes, and present the ideas and ideals of classical liberalism.

The MEI’s vision is of a world that is free and responsible, where voluntary exchange, respect for property rights, and entrepreneurship favour social mobility and prosperity for all. Through its publications, media appearances, and free advisory services offered equally to all policy-makers, the MEI stimulates public policy debate and reforms based on established principles of market economics.

Photo of Kate Marland

KATE MARLAND

MEI Advisor, Liberty + Leadership Program

Prior to joining the MEI, Kate worked as a lawyer in Ottawa practising commercial litigation. While practising as a lawyer, Kate was also the Senior Fellow and Project Manager of the Canada Strong and Free Network’s Conservative Values Tomorrow mentorship program, where she developed a passion for identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote responsible government and individual freedom.

Kate earned her JD, cum laude, from the University of Ottawa, with a specialization in Law and Technology. Prior to attending law school, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Fashion Studies from Ryerson University, where she was an associate of the Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre. She completed her undergraduate studies at McGill University, graduating with outstanding achievement in Orchestral Performance. Kate was called to the bar in Ontario in 2023.

Photo of Sam Dagres

SAM DAGRES

MEI Advisor, Communications

As communications advisor, Samantha helps the MEI tell Canada’s story through the analysis of its public policies and policy changes. She contributes to the crafting of narratives, writes editorials, and keeps the team abreast of breaking news. She completed a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from McGill University, followed by Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Montreal, an educational path that combined theoretical principles with practical application.

Passionate about policy writing and analysis, she was a senior editor for several McGill public policy journals. She also has experience working on Parliament Hill. Samantha first joined the MEI team as an intern in January 2023.

Testimonials

If you are unsure about applying, here is what some of our inaugural Liberty + Leadership cohort had to say about the experience:

After one year of university, I had accepted that lectures were going to be tedious and dull, but necessary to get my degree. The MEI’s Liberty & Leadership seminar inspired me to see school as exciting once again. I truly enjoyed every lecture, felt engaged and energized listening to brilliant and sometimes quite industry-seasoned peers (in the classroom, at the pub, on the road) and I wished this could be what education/academia/career always means to me. I can’t live on McGill’s beautiful campus forever, but I will remember this seminar I am so grateful for.

The Liberty + Leadership Seminar provided an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and explore classical liberal ideas, freedom, and society in depth. This event was both enjoyable and timely, occurring at a crucial moment for Canada and the world. It is a pivotal time to acquire the knowledge necessary to defend liberty.

The Liberty + Leadership seminar hosted by the MEI was a great opportunity to meet like-minded young leaders from across the country. Being able to build your network with events like this is incredibly valuable for people looking to make a difference in the world.

Sample Timetable

What a typical Liberty & Leadership Seminar might look like: