2027 Weekend Youth Retreat and Campaign Masterclass
Canada’s premier Conservative training opportunity, taking place August 6–8 at McMaster University.
Training Conservatives to Win Since 1990
The Conservative Leadership Foundation exists for one purpose: to help Conservatives become more effective leaders, organizers, campaigners, and elected officials.
Founded in 1990, The CLF has trained thousands of participants from across Canada. Alumni have gone on to serve as campaign managers, political staff, riding association executives, candidates, and elected officials at every level of government.
Every Conservative Leader Starts Somewhere.
CLF students progress from grassroots volunteerism to leadership positions on campaigns, in government, and within the Conservative movement. Through mentorship, practical instruction, and hands-on learning, participants gain the confidence and skills needed to take on greater responsibilities.
01. Young Conservative
Build a foundation in Conservative principles, grassroots engagement, and the confidence to participate in public life.
02. Campus Activist
Develop practical organizing and communication skills while building relationships with peers and mentors.
03. Campaign Leader
Apply hands-on campaign training to fundraising, field operations, strategy, and voter contact.
04. Political Staff
Translate campaign experience into the practical demands of political offices, caucuses, and government.
05. Elected Official
Strengthen the leadership, communication, and organizational skills needed to serve communities effectively.
06. Beyond Politics
Carry proven leadership, professional networks, and practical problem-solving skills into business, public service, diplomacy, and community leadership.
CLF’s Unique Programming
CLF is renowned for programming available nowhere else. Historically these amazing political educational experiences were only available in person. CLF will be curating video content from new conferences and adding historical content from the vaults. Now while the intangible parts of in-person events can’t be replicated online, the teaching, panels and discussions will form the basis for CLF Online as we explore other potential options to enhance remote learning and bring this knowledge to more members of the conservative movement than ever before.
Lessons Learned
CLF hosts a day of presentations and discussions following each significant election. A unique opportunity to network, reflect, listen and learn. The unique recent political cycle has allowed CLF to conduct two federal events as well as in 2022 both Ontario provincial and municipal day events.
Single Subject Full Day Training
Master specific political disciplines through sessions focused on communications, fundraising, organization, strategy, digital coordination, and field operations.
Weekend Youth Retreat & Campaign Masterclass
The CLF’s flagship training experience combines lectures, workshops, simulations, assignments, and mentorship to create an intensive learning environment, frequently cited as Canada’s premier Conservative training opportunity.
Explore the Benefits of a CLF Membership.
Membership provides year-round access to Conservative training, networking opportunities, and educational resources.
CLF members enjoy access to:
✓ Professional training videos
✓ All CLF events at discounted prices
✓ Insider political knowledge
✓ Networking opportunities with candidates, campaign managers, staff, and elected officials
✓ Member-only programming and resources
Weekend Youth Retreat & Campaign Masterclass
August 6–8, 2027
McMaster University
Spend three intensive days learning directly from Canada’s most accomplished Conservative campaign professionals while building practical political and leadership skills.
Winning your next campaign starts with CLF.
Sign Up to Stay Informed.
Testimonials
What Our Participants Say
Emily Brown
“As a candidate of record in this election, I valued the opportunity to come together to explore the election from a variety of perspectives. This was an excellent learning and growth opportunity, which also allowed for providing feedback and asking questions. I look forward to other CLF events.”
Suzanne Sexton
“The CLF Lessons Learned event provided access to hard data, informed opinion, and networking conversations with other Conservatives that care about the future of our parties and movement. The eager participation of CPC staff and candidates really sent a strong message to the faithful. It was worth the trip from out west. Great value packed into one Saturday.”
Peter Coy
“The CLF lessons learned need to be shared with all ridings. We are often ‘Barking up the wrong tree’.”
Ian Burke
“This was the best polling reveal I have seen.”
Howard Kennedy
“CLF delivers the leadership skills to members and critical review of Conservative Politics in Canada.”
Philip David
“Great place to objectively hear what is really happening behind the scenes.”
Rachel Joy Enns
“A very professional and informative event. A variety of perspectives contributed to a thorough examination of the topic at hand. I look forward to future events.”
Simon Audisho
“The Nat Campaign panelists ended up being a lot more honest and forthcoming than I thought, which was a very pleasant surprise. I loved getting another peek behind the curtain.”