Expand Your Economic Awareness
Study the Great Enrichment and apply the principles to Canada.
How can Canada preserve its
economic freedom and flourish?
Join the Best
Ideate and propose solutions with Canada’s next generation of economists, policy analysts, and leaders.
Exclusive Mentorship
Receive guidance and connect with Canada’s top think tanks and organizations.
Visit Canada’s Core Institutions
Take a trip through Ottawa’s key governance centers.
The Case for Canada
Canada is at a turning point.
In 2014, Canada ranked 6th on the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World index. By 2023, it had fallen to 11th. Government size deteriorated from a global ranking of 71st in 2014 to 125th by 2020. Seven of Canada’s ten provinces now rank below every US state on all-government economic freedom. The pattern extends beyond economics: Canada fell from 5th to 14th on the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Democracy Index between 2020 and 2024, and Freedom House has flagged declining scores on government transparency and civil liberties.
These rankings reflect a decline in Canadians’ ability to build good lives, pursue abundant opportunities, and live in a free and prosperous country.
The stakes are real. It may be hard to tell now but If these trends continue, Canada is on a course that mirrors those seen in countries around the world where the pursuit of a fulfilling life has been replaced by a focus on subsistence living or worse.
The Laurier Seminar seeks to make the case for Canada, bringing the best emerging minds together to grapple with the big ideas shaping the country’s future.
Shape Canada’s Future
Set at the iconic Château Laurier Hotel, the Laurier Seminar is an immersive three-day experience in Ottawa for top Canadian undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates with a background in economics, public policy, law, and political science.
Named after Canadian Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the seminar explores the factors that contributed to Canada’s success, how Canada is losing its grip on those conditions, and how the right ideas, institutions, and people can reverse the trend.
The seminar incorporates an institutional excursion along Wellington Street—passing Parliament, the Bank of Canada, and the Supreme Court—grounding economic theory within the context of Canadian governance. In addition, attendees will dine at the prestigious Rideau Club on Thursday and Friday night.
Apply Now
Application Deadline:
September 11, 2026
What You’ll Get
You will join an exclusive network of emerging Canadian intellectuals passionate about ensuring a prosperous future. You’ll receive high-level mentorship, present and refine your ideas on pressing economic issues, connect with top Canadian organizations, and leave as a sharper and more persuasive advocate for economic and political freedom.
How It Works
- Foundational Lectures: Learn from leading experts about the economic and philosophical underpinnings of Canada’s rank as one of the most prosperous countries in the world.
- Applied Policy Workshops: Work with mentors who will train you to communicate and apply these ideas.
- Institutional Exploration: Ground your learning through guided excursions along Ottawa’s key governance centers.
What to Expect
[Schedule coming soon]
No Cost to Attend
Accepted participants receive a full scholarship covering all seminar programming, shared lodging at the Chateau Laurier Hotel, dinners at Ottawa’s prestigious Rideau Club, networking and social events, and more.
Apply Now
Partners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The seminar is designed for Canadian university students, or recent post-grads, studying economics, philosophy, or political science who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and leadership potential. Applicants should be eager to engage deeply with foundational economic concepts and policy ideas.
Applications close September 11, 2026.
[Answer to come.]
Accepted participants receive a full scholarship covering all seminar programming, shared lodging at the Chateau Laurier Hotel, dinners at Ottawa’s prestigious Rideau Club, networking and social events, and more.