"In 2020, people still think [conversion therapy] is a relic of the past," said Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti, but it still exists across the country.

"It was causing me to hate myself and my sexuality," one former Journey Canada participant said. "I was like, 'This just doesn't feel right.'"

Danielle Smith says she suspects a private member's bill to ban conversion therapy is more likely a trap the NDP is setting to trip up the UCP.

The Vancouver-based Christian group Journey Canada was advertising an intensive retreat at Villa Madonna Retreat House, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Saint John.

Conversion therapy, the idea that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or queer individuals could be cured of their sexual orientation, still exists in Canada. And a handful of faith-based groups offering these services are registered charities.