22 November 2025 - 9:30 am
Join us for our upcoming Humanism in Action II conference!
Immerse yourself in a celebration of Humanist values—experience the warmth of community, feel inspired by engaging presentations led by celebrated Canadian speakers, delight in tasty meals and refreshments throughout the day, browse exhibitor displays, and end the day with a catered banquet dinner and a brilliant theatrical performance by an acclaimed Toronto writer and performer.
Tickets are available in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. We are pleased to offer special rates to SOFREE and SCS members in appreciation of your support.
Click on this link below for ticket conference details: Ethics & Freedom: Values, Vision, Voices
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DATE: Saturday, November 22, 2025
VENUE: KW Granite Club Banquet Hall, 99 Seagram Drive, Waterloo, ON N2L 3B6
TIME: 9:30 am–7:00 pm ~ DOORS OPEN: 8:45 am
SCHEDULE: Coming soon!
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Our stellar lineup of presenters will enlighten, challenge, and inspire you as they share ideas and questions that impact our lives and communities, including:
• Embracing a life of morality and meaning, free from dogma • Navigating end-of-life choices and ethics • Examining the double-edged sword of artificial intelligence • Addressing hidden injustices still endured by Indigenous Peoples • Unpacking the entrenched privilege of publicly-funded Catholic schools • Illuminating the path from piety to principles, with wit and humour
Memberships and Donations
If you would like to join SOFREE before the conference, please send $25 via e-transfer to: Treasurer@sofree.ca and include your name and telephone number in the comment box.
Donations are also accepted via e-transfer to: Treasurer@sofree.ca and we are grateful for any contribution. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we need funding to run our programs and services. Since our membership fees are minimal, donations are vital to help us serve our valued members and the broader Humanist community. As SOFREE is a registered charitable organization, you will receive a tax receipt for your donation. Heartfelt thanks for your support!
Sponsorships
If your organization would like to sponsor this conference, that would be wonderful! and much appreciated! Sponsorship includes your logo placement on our promotional materials, as well as a courtesy display table at the conference.
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Featured Speakers
SASSAN SANEI – How the Hell Can Atheists Have Morals?
Sassan is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, earning degrees in both Philosophy and Electrical Engineering. His academic path reflects his passion for bridging humanist principles with science. His career in the technology sector further shaped his perspective, giving him insight into how innovation, evidence-based reasoning, and ethical responsibility interconnect to shape society. As a Humanist Officiant, he delivers thoughtful and inclusive ceremonies for people of all backgrounds. Drawing on this unique combination of humanities and science, Sassan serves on the Board of Humanist Canada to help advance reason, compassion, and secular public policies.
CHRISTOPHER DICARLO – Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It
Christopher is a distinguished university professor of philosophy and critical thinking, and the Ethics Chair for the Canadian Mental Health Association in Wellington County. He is the senior researcher and ethicist at Convergence Analysis, a UK-based think tank focused on artificial intelligence (AI) risk and governance. In addition to his academic and advisory roles, he hosts the podcast “All Thinks Considered” where he engages with thought leaders—from the celebrated to the controversial—in open discussions on an array of topics, exploring depths of human intellect and discourse. An award-winning thinker, he has written many acclaimed works on critical thinking, including How to Become a Really Good Pain in the Ass: A Critical Thinker’s Guide to Asking the Right Questions and So You Think You Can Think? In his recent book, Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It, Christopher brings his signature blend of accessible philosophy, scientific insight, ethical urgency, and humour to one of the most transformative developments of our time: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Whether you are fascinated by AI or uneasy about its future implications on humanity, learn what is really at stake as we stand at the crossroads of progress and principle.
DR. JACKIE NEMNI – MAiD in Canada: Life, Death, and Human Dignity
Jackie is a retired respiratory and ICU physician committed to advancing human dignity, personal autonomy, and ethical, compassionate care for patients and their families. As a Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) assessor and provider in Ontario, she offers a thoughtful and humane perspective on one of the most profound, complex, and controversial issues in modern healthcare. MAiD is a deeply personal subject that evokes wide-ranging emotions and ethical debate, yet it remains poorly understood or shrouded in silence. Through her unique dual roles as a medical specialist and a licensed Humanist Officiant, Jackie bridges the clinical and human dimensions of end-of-life care, bringing clarity, empathy, and moral insight to a conversation that requires understanding and consideration when facing medical realities and choices.
MAEMAE RICHARDSON – We Are All Treaty People: Rights and Responsibilities
Maemaegawauhnse (MaeMae) is a second-year PhD student at the University of Toronto. With a focus on Indigenous politics in Canada, MaeMae integrates Indigenous worldviews and affect theory into the field of Political Science. MaeMae is currently working on a dissertation regarding the role of grief in Indigenous politics in the post-Truth and Reconciliation Commission era. In addition to her scholarly work, MaeMae is on the Board of Directors for the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area after having worked there as a youth worker serving young people involved in the justice system. MaeMae also has experience working with families on Six Nations as both a youth worker and as a legal assistant. With a background in political theory and restorative justice, MaeMae merges these perspectives to form anti-colonial, anti-carceral, and feminist approaches to ethics. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, weightlifting and canoeing.
LESLIE ROSENBLOOD – Ethics in Education: Segregation Harms Everyone
Leslie is the Secular Chair at the Centre for Inquiry Canada, the host of Podcast for Inquiry, and a licensed Humanist Officiant who helps people celebrate life’s milestones with integrity and personal meaning. As a committed Humanist, he believes that evidence-based public policy is the best foundation for laws and regulations, and that facts and their logical implications should form the foundation of discussions in society. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Computer Science) from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s degree in Science and Technology from Queen’s University. Based in Toronto, Leslie writes about secularism, religion, politics, ethics, free speech, and other topics on his blog at: https://opinionsquestions.blogspot.com/
Special Performance
SANDRA BANMAN
Mennonite Metamorphosis: How to Become a Secular Mennonite in 500 Years or Less!
Sandra is a longtime teacher with a passion for education who is also engaged in community theatre as a writer, performer, and director. She balances her professional life with artistic and intellectual pursuits, reflecting a commitment to learning and sharing ideas. Her storytelling often explores the deeply human themes of identity, belief, values, and belonging, sparking both reflection and open dialogue. Her acclaimed one-woman show, Mennonite Metamorphosis: How to Become a Secular Mennonite in 500 Years or Less! traces her journey from faith to freedom with humour, sincerity, and compassion, engaging and delighting audiences on the Fringe festival circuit. At this year’s conference, Sandra brings her perspective as an educator, storyteller, actor, and former Christian, illustrating the challenges and rewards of leaving faith behind, offering a distinctive contribution to the conversation on ethics, freedom, and human resilience.
Updates will also be posted on our conference website at: Humanist Conference 2025
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