August 2021
International Youth Day!
International Youth Day (IYD) gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions, and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement.
The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”, with the aim of highlighting that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people. This is an effort that cannot be accomplished without the engagement of youth, collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect life while integrating biodiversity in the transformation of food systems.
On the Covid-19 front, young innovators are already responding to the virus through social impact innovation. Around the world, a number of initiatives are being developed to leverage young people’s efforts to generate and deliver support to at-risk populations or populations affected by the pandemic.
To our youth around the world, today we celebrate your brilliant minds and your contributions to making the world more livable for all of us.
Enjoy this edition of News,
Jag Parmar,
Administrator
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Course: Critical Thinking II |
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What is the difference between right and wrong? Or good and evil? What is the good life? What is well-being? What is autonomy? These are difficult and eternal questions that are central to ethical theory, law, bioethics, and political discussion. To explore these concepts in-depth, we will first consider various theories about the nature of value and morality through an introduction to moral philosophy in its various forms, including relativism, natural law, utilitarianism, and more. Then, given that conceptual foundation, the majority of the course will deal with how we can have deeper and more meaningful discussions about specific, important topics such as abortion, genetic engineering, euthanasia, capital punishment, and racism.
Testimonials:
"Taking this course impacted my thinking. I learned a great deal from Dr. DiCarlo about critical thinking... I would highly recommend this course to others."
"I thought the course was wonderful, especially because Dr. DiCarlo was willing to touch on topics that a lot of people would shun. Especially in this political climate, talking about race and gender and other sensitive topics can only pave the way for clarity..."
This is a stand-alone course for which there is no prerequisite. It is not necessary/required to have taken Critical Thinking I to enroll in this course. Although related to Critical Thinking I, this will be taught as a completely independent course.
FEES:
$150.00 for Humanist Canada members; $250.00 for non-members. If you are an HC member, please log into your account to select the discounted fee.
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Conversion “therapy” or conversion practices (also known as “reparative therapy”, “reintegrative therapy” or “aversion therapy”) are any treatment, practice, or sustained effort that has the effect of denying, repressing, discouraging or changing a person’s non-heterosexual sexual orientation, non-cisgender gender identity or gender expression, or any behaviours associated with a gender other than the person’s sex assigned at birth.
This type of cruel abuse has no place in Canada. Join us and Take Action!
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Universal Basic Income Survey Results and Report |
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In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the idea of a Basic Income is being revisited across the globe. Humanist Canada has conducted a survey to find out what our members think about this subject and whether they support the implementation of a basic income program in Canada and would like to see Humanist Canada take on basic income as a social action initiative. We received thought-provoking feedback from 144 members, including questions and comments that invite a deeper conversation about what universal or guaranteed basic income is and whether it is desirable or feasible.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on the survey results, we’d love to hear from you – please drop us a line at members@humanistcanada.ca.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in the survey!
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The Humanist International FREE Virtual Conference |
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2020 has been one of the toughest years ever for the global humanist community and for humanity as a whole. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic put to test our societies, our economies and our shared feeling of belonging. However, desperation and resignation did not prevail. Humanists all around the world stood true (and are still standing true) to the fundamental values of humanism, such as reason, science, democracy, and empathy.
Thanks to global cooperation, investment in scientific research and individual efforts, humanity now sees a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel.
The 2021 Humanism Conference will be a moment to look back at the last two years of fight against the virus, praising the courage of humanist activists around the world and reflecting upon the importance of the humanist worldview in times of crisis like the one we are living in today.
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Still time to Submit: Secularism and Non-Religion in Canada |
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This edited volume contributes to the literature on secularism, non-religion, and atheism in contemporary Canada. Non-belief and non-believers are often given secondary consideration in broader explorations of religion and religiosity, and, as a result, remain under-examined, particularly in the Canadian context. This multidisciplinary book provides a broad exploration of issues relating to secularity, irreligion, non-religion, non-belief, atheism, and separation of religion and government in Canada.
Deadline for abstract submissions is October 14, 2021.
For more information on how to submit your abstract , Click Here.
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Here is What's New On Our Web Store!
Don't forget to visit our online store! We’re a small shop right now, but we have big plans! Check-in regularly to find new HC logo items like our masks, mugs, and pins. We also have a number of books, written by our HC family of authors.
If you have any ideas about what we should offer, send them our way!
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July Polling Results: Cutting back the CRB |
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The Federal Liberal Government will be cutting back by $800 the CRB (Canadian Recovery Benefit). As of July, instead of $2000, people who qualify will instead get $1200. The NDP is demanding the Liberals reverse this decision. Employers are struggling to fill job openings because people are earning more on the CRB, but there are others who are depending on this benefit to survive the pandemic.
Here is how you responded to our poll:
48.3% of you said "YES" the CRB should be cut back.
51.7% of you said "NO" the CRB should not be cut back.
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New Poll: Should Ontario introduce a Vaccine Passport?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government will work with provinces to ensure there is an "internationally accepted proof of vaccination" for international travel, but will leave domestic options up to the provincial governments.
Trudeau's comments come after some provinces, like Quebec and Manitoba, have announced plans for an internal vaccine passport. Other provinces, like Alberta and Saskatchewan, have said they won't have such requirements.
CBC News · Posted: Jul 13, 2021 1:50 PM ET
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Should Ontartio introduce a Vaccine Passport?
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To ensure the newsletter is relevant we invite your response to a few short questions. Having feedback from across the country is our goal. Click here!
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Why membership in Humanist Canada is important!
We simply can't do it without you. We are entirely funded through memberships and donations. Your involvement is incredibly significant and goes a long way to support lasting change for a better society and a tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail.
Humanist Canada has just launched a new member system that will allow you to update your own information. Click on the button below, and you will be prompted to set up your login information.
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