YOUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the April Edition of

'The Voice of Humanism in Canada'

As April unfolds, many around us observe religious holidays—especially in the Christian tradition. For Humanists, this season offers an opportunity to celebrate spring in secular, meaningful ways that reflect our shared values of reason, compassion, and connection.

In this issue, we’re delighted to share a range of thoughtful content from our community: inspiring book recommendations from members, a brand-new podcast episode, and invitations to upcoming events across several provinces. Whether you're looking to engage, reflect, or simply explore something new, there’s something here for everyone. Happy reading—and happy spring!

– The Humanist Canada Team

P.S. Have ideas for content? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@humanistcanada.ca by the 1st of the month to share your suggestions and be part of the conversation.

In Episode 22 of our podcast, Daniel Dacombe sits down with Cory Doctorow, an activist, author, and advocate for a fairer digital world.

They dive into surveillance capitalism, the fight for online freedom, and how humanist values can guide us through the chaos of modern tech.

Stream the episode on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3R6wtot
Stream the episode on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4j4OaRA 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the BC Humanist Association, April 15 is now officially proclaimed Religious Neutrality Day in both Vancouver and Toronto! 👏🏽

This year’s date is especially meaningful as April 15, 2025 marks 10 years since the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that prayers at municipal meetings violate the principle of religious neutrality.

Join us in congratulating the BC Humanist Association for their incredible efforts and in celebrating this important milestone for secularism and inclusion! 🎉

Member Recommendation: Liberalism as a Way of Life

Humanist Canada member Craig Barlow recommends an insightful article by Alexandre Lefebvre, a professor of politics and philosophy at the University of Sydney—originally from Vancouver. Lefebvre is the author of Liberalism as a Way of Life (Princeton University Press, 2024), a compelling new book that explores liberalism not just as a political system, but as an ethical and meaningful way to live.

📘 Learn more about the book here: Liberalism as a Way of Life – Princeton Press

Thank you, Craig, for the thoughtful recommendation!

Share Your Experience of Loss: Research Participants Needed

As part of the Nonreligion in a Complex Future project, researchers are conducting a study to better understand how people experience and imagine a “good death.”

They are seeking participants who:

• Are 18 years of age or older, and

• Have experienced the loss of someone close to them in the past 12 months.

The survey is online, takes 10–20 minutes to complete, and participation is entirely voluntary.

To take part, please visit 👉 HERE

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to meaningful research on grief and end-of-life experiences across diverse worldviews.

Photo by Nilotpal Kalita on Unsplash

Humanist Canada Members Gathering|Fredericton, May 1

New Brunswick members – you're warmly invited to an evening of great conversation, cozy food, and meaningful connection with fellow Humanists!

Local members are especially excited to welcome Martin Frith, President of Humanist Canada, as the special guest. Martin has been a passionate member since 1986, a licensed Humanist Officiant since 2002, and a strong voice for civic engagement and national connection across the Humanist movement. When he’s not championing humanist values, Martin runs a private counselling practice and enjoys staying active in Toronto.

🗓 Thursday, May 1 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Waasis, NB (exact address provided upon RSVP)
🥘 Food: Raclette & cheese fondue (vegetarian options available)
🍷 BYOD (Bring Your Own Drink!)

Please RSVP to mc.khadij@humanistcanada.ca and indicate any food allergies. Accommodations can be arranged for out-of-town guests.

What is International Humanism?
Humanist Ottawa invites you to a special evening with Gary McLelland, CEO of Humanists International, exploring the topic: “What is International Humanism?”

With a background in human rights law and decades of advocacy experience, Gary will offer insights into the global Humanist movement and its relevance in today’s world.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 6:30–9:00 PM ET
150 Elgin Street, Ottawa or join online via Zoom at 7:30 PM

 To Join Online - Register for the Zoom session
 To Join In Person - More event details on Meetup

This event is hosted by Humanist Ottawa. 

NEW: New Member Orientation!

Welcome to Humanist Canada! We invite all new members to join our monthly New Member Orientation on Zoom—a great opportunity to connect with fellow Humanists, learn more about our work, and explore ways to get involved.

📅 When: Last Wednesday of every month
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM ET
📍 Where: Online via Zoom

If you’ve joined in the past year, we’d love to see you there!

Register now through the Members Portal.

🚀 Get connected. Get inspired. Get involved!

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Writers Wanted: NEW Humanist Canada Guest Blog Series!

We’re excited to launch our Guest Blog Series, a monthly feature highlighting the unique perspectives of our community! This is your opportunity to share your thoughts, experiences, and insights on contemporary issues through a humanist lens. Whether you want to explore ethics, science, social justice, or human rights, we welcome diverse voices that provoke thoughtful discussion and foster meaningful dialogue.

💡 Interested in contributing? We provide clear guidelines to help shape your piece, ensuring it aligns with Humanist values of reason, compassion, and critical thinking.

📩 For more information or to submit your blog idea, reach out to members@humanistcanada.ca.

Let’s spark conversation and inspire change—one blog at a time!

^{Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash}

Humanist Canada’s 2025 AGM

Mark your calendars! Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming up on:

🗓 Sunday, May 4, 2025
⏰ 2:00 – 4:00 PM EDT

This is an important opportunity for members to connect, review our progress, and discuss the future of Humanist Canada. The AGM Package, including Financial Statements and the 2023 Annual Report, will be available to all members ahead of the meeting.

📩 Members Login to the Portal to Register

Support Humanist Canada

Your membership, volunteer efforts, and financial support help us advance reason, compassion, and secular values across Canada. Every contribution strengthens our work in advocacy, education, and community building.

Not a Member? Join Now!

Be part of a growing community that champions reason, compassion, and secular values in Canada. As a member of Humanist Canada, you’ll gain access to exclusive events, resources, and advocacy efforts that promote humanist values nationwide.