Events in September 2026

To add your secular, scientific or critical thinking event to our calendar, please complete our Calendar Submission Form.

This calendar uses the Eastern Time Zone.

1 7:00 pm: Skeptics in the Pub: Ottawa 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm September 1, 2026 Meet friendly skeptics, atheists, humanists and freethinkers for Skeptics in the Pub. If you’re tired of listening to people make unlikely claims or outlandish theories, come out and meet new friends instead. Co-hosted by Humanist Ottawa and the Centre for Inquiry Canada, we meet regularly on the first Tuesday of each month. It’s an informal, warm and fun atmosphere. Join the free-wheeling conversation. FOR ALL RETURNING SKEPTICS: You already know the fun involved, so bring a friend. More information The Lieutenants Pump | 361 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON Hosted by Critical Links

5 12:30 pm: Progressive Walking Tour of Ottawa 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm September 5, 2026 So you think you know Ottawa history? Join Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC) volunteers for a unique exploration of old Bytown and present-day Ottawa, featuring fact-checked stories you won't hear on a standard sightseeing or tourist jaunt. Based on a tour created for delegates of last month's World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, this 3.6 km route guarantees you'll learn something new. At each themed stop, we’ll dive into a humanist, secular, or progressive political fact, covering local angles, such as: Centuries of threats from our neighbours to the south Workers' protests during the building of the Rideau Canal Residential schools and the Indigenous renaming of landmarks The narrow victory that allowed abortion rights for women 2SLGBTQIA+ history and other human rights milestones How many people in the region identify as non-religious The surprising locations of Ottawa's only two terrorist bombings You can leave early if you need to, but stay until the end for some fun trivia about Ottawa celebrities! The Details: When & Where: We’ll start near the Centennial Flame at 12:30 PM. The Route: 3.6 km ending at Minto Park on Elgin Street. The entire tour is wheelchair accessible. Amenities: There are several washrooms and water fountains along the way, including at Happy Goat on Elgin Street near the end of the tour. Number of Participants: There are only 20 spots available, so book early. Cost: Completely FREE for anyone who signs up for the CFIC mailing list, which gets you our Critical Links newsletter and other updates. Post-Tour Bonus: When the tour wraps up at Minto Park, you're invited to stick around for CFIC's Skeptics in the Park at 3:00 PM for engaging discussions with atheists, agnostics, humanists, and freethinkers on whatever topics everyone wants to discuss. Can't make it this time? If you're interested in future "pay what you want" tours, send a private message to the main organizer, Scott. Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada Ottawa, 3:00 pm: Skeptics in the Park – Ottawa 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm September 5, 2026 Join us Saturday in Minto Park on Elgin Street for Skeptics in the Park. Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC), this is an in-person and informal discussion group for sceptics/skeptics, science buffs, atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, and freethinkers in the National Capital Region. When: Saturday, September 5 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Where: Minto Park, between Gilmour and Lewis, across from Elgin Street School What we do: Similar to our Skeptics in the Pub nights, we enjoy intelligent and lively discussions about current events, history, human rights, international politics, philosophy, science, technology, or any other topic that involves critical thinking. How to get there: Transit: Take OC Transpo buses 5, 14, or 18 (Elgin/Gilmour stop heading north; Elgin/Lewis heading south). Walking: It's a 12-minute walk from the uOttawa O-Train station across the Corktown Footbridge, or a 15-minute walk from Rideau Centre. Driving: Street parking is free all weekend. What to bring: Yourself, a friend or two. Optional topics to discuss. Optional food or drink. Optional alcohol (Minto is one of nine city parks where alcohol is permitted) In Case of Rain: We will head to Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin, Cellar Room in the far left corner Hope to see you this Saturday! Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada Ottawa

6 12:00 pm: Living Without Religon – Hosted by Virtual Branch 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm September 6, 2026 Living without Religion (LWR) is a monthly peer support group for those who have left their religion, are considering leaving their religion, and/or are encountering challenges with friends, family, classmates or co-workers due to religious differences. If you're already comfortable leading a secular lifestyle, you can also come to offer emotional support or advice, or just to enjoy a sense of social community that religions often offer. Moderated by volunteers from the Virtual and Ottawa Branch of Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC), LWR meets on the first Sunday of every month from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST. To join, log into Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/962762133?pwd=Zm1wYjVtcGR4UHp3cXpVQ3crSGV4Zz09 Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Critical Links

7 7:00 pm: Book Club (Non-Fiction) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm September 7, 2026 Welcome, all inquiring minds. The goal of this group is to explore topics, ideas, and concepts with a critical eye and the willingness to ask questions; • Is the thesis of this book on solid ground? • Is what this book is presenting true or false? • Is the topic being presented in a fair and even-handed manner? Anyone interested in controversial and often contentious topics of the day and willing to explore all sides of an issue should consider joining. We will select a new book at the end of each session. The book club will meet on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have an allotted time of 2 hours. The link to this event is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89082917143?pwd=T0pJY0hsWE00a3hpbTBoQWNUQjJyQT09 Virtual Canada View Location Map Hosted by Education

13 8:00 pm: Discussion about author Mike Conley’s upcoming book "Roadmap to Nowhere: A Reality Check on Renewable Energy 8:00 pm September 13, 2026 Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Join us for a bold discussion on energy myths and nuclear solutions. We are taking the months of July and August off from webinars, but we start the new season off with a fascinating and controversial one (although when examining the data and evidence this book presents, it is in fact straightforward). A discussion about author Mike Conley’s upcoming book “Roadmap to Nowhere: A Reality Check on Renewable Energy“. Hosted by Critical Links

18 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm September 18, 2026 Dear CFIC Volunteers, I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CFIC Volunteer Academy—a new weekly Zoom gathering open to all CFIC volunteers across Canada. Participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to attend regularly or simply join whenever the topic interests you and your schedule permits. I believe these sessions will provide real value to our volunteers while giving you a greater voice in CFIC and more opportunities to participate in our work. If you would like to attend but the scheduled time does not work for you, the sessions will be recorded and made available afterward. You can register even if you cannot attend live, and we will send you a link to the recording. My name is John Lombard, and I am the new Executive Director of CFIC. I have more than two decades of experience as a trainer and coach, with a particular focus on developing leadership and organizational skills. My goal is to make the Volunteer Academy much more than another weekly meeting. It will be a practical forum where volunteers can develop useful skills, learn about CFIC’s activities, exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute directly to the growth and direction of our organization. Each session will include some combination of the following: Training We will provide practical training on topics such as organizing successful events, promoting and advertising events, recruiting participants, developing local volunteer teams, and choosing activities that appeal to different audiences. Upcoming Events We will introduce and discuss upcoming CFIC events across Canada. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the Volunteer Academy: even when an event is taking place on the other side of the country, you can still contribute ideas about how it should be organized, what activities it might include, and how it can be promoted. If you are organizing or hosting an event, you will also be able to draw upon the ideas, experience, and support of volunteers from across Canada. New Volunteer-Led Events If you have an idea for an event that you would like to organize, we want to help you make it happen. You can present your idea, receive suggestions from other volunteers, learn from people who have organized similar events, and get practical guidance from CFIC. You do not need to arrive with a fully developed plan. Even a preliminary idea can be brought to the group for discussion. Volunteer Participation and Collaboration The Academy will also give volunteers an opportunity to: Meet and learn from volunteers in other parts of Canada Share successful ideas and experiences Ask questions and seek advice Suggest training topics and new initiatives Learn more about CFIC’s national activities and priorities Become more directly involved in CFIC’s work Our volunteers are essential to CFIC’s success. If we are going to expand our reach and impact across Canada, we need volunteers to be an integral part of planning, organizing, and carrying out that work. The Volunteer Academy is intended to help make that possible. Our first session will be an introductory session, and will take place: Date: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 Time: 4 pm PST; 7 pm EST Duration: 1 hour To participate, please register here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-academy-zoom-registration/ You may register even if you cannot attend the live session. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording afterward. Thank you for everything you contribute to CFIC. I look forward to meeting you and working with you through the CFIC Volunteer Academy. Best regards, John Lombard Executive Director Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

19 12:00 pm: Secular Brunch – Ottawa Centretown 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm September 19, 2026 Secular Brunch - Ottawa Centretown is a new in-person and lightly-moderated discussion group for atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics, and other free-thinkers in the National Capital Region. Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC), this event will be held at the Lieutenant's Pump in the far right corner. You can enjoy their weekend brunch until 1:00 pm, the regular menu after that, or just order water or other beverages. No purchase is necessary! When: Sunday, September 19 from noon to 2:00 PM Where: Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin Street, Gallery Room in the right rear corner What we do: Similar to CFI’s former “Sunday Unsermon” group and our online "Secular Chat", conversations and fun debate topics vary from week to week based on the interests of the participants. Topics might include: Current events and progressive politics Ethics, philosophy, and history Science and skepticism Counter-apologetics to religion Any other subjects involving critical thinking There's no set agenda. You can bring a topic to discuss, and we’ll try to fit it in. CFIC volunteers help ensure everyone has a chance to talk. Prizes: We'll hold a draw, and the winner gets their choice of a new book on secularism from a list of over 20 titles. How to get there: Transit: Take OC Transpo buses 5, 14, or 18 (Elgin/Waverly stop heading north; Elgin/Gladstone heading south). Walking: It's a 15-minute walk from the uOttawa O-Train station across the Corktown Footbridge, or a 20-minute walk from Rideau Centre or the Glebe. Driving: Street parking is free all weekend. Hope to see you this Sunday! Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada Ottawa

25 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm September 25, 2026 Dear CFIC Volunteers, I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CFIC Volunteer Academy—a new weekly Zoom gathering open to all CFIC volunteers across Canada. Participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to attend regularly or simply join whenever the topic interests you and your schedule permits. I believe these sessions will provide real value to our volunteers while giving you a greater voice in CFIC and more opportunities to participate in our work. If you would like to attend but the scheduled time does not work for you, the sessions will be recorded and made available afterward. You can register even if you cannot attend live, and we will send you a link to the recording. My name is John Lombard, and I am the new Executive Director of CFIC. I have more than two decades of experience as a trainer and coach, with a particular focus on developing leadership and organizational skills. My goal is to make the Volunteer Academy much more than another weekly meeting. It will be a practical forum where volunteers can develop useful skills, learn about CFIC’s activities, exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute directly to the growth and direction of our organization. Each session will include some combination of the following: Training We will provide practical training on topics such as organizing successful events, promoting and advertising events, recruiting participants, developing local volunteer teams, and choosing activities that appeal to different audiences. Upcoming Events We will introduce and discuss upcoming CFIC events across Canada. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the Volunteer Academy: even when an event is taking place on the other side of the country, you can still contribute ideas about how it should be organized, what activities it might include, and how it can be promoted. If you are organizing or hosting an event, you will also be able to draw upon the ideas, experience, and support of volunteers from across Canada. New Volunteer-Led Events If you have an idea for an event that you would like to organize, we want to help you make it happen. You can present your idea, receive suggestions from other volunteers, learn from people who have organized similar events, and get practical guidance from CFIC. You do not need to arrive with a fully developed plan. Even a preliminary idea can be brought to the group for discussion. Volunteer Participation and Collaboration The Academy will also give volunteers an opportunity to: Meet and learn from volunteers in other parts of Canada Share successful ideas and experiences Ask questions and seek advice Suggest training topics and new initiatives Learn more about CFIC’s national activities and priorities Become more directly involved in CFIC’s work Our volunteers are essential to CFIC’s success. If we are going to expand our reach and impact across Canada, we need volunteers to be an integral part of planning, organizing, and carrying out that work. The Volunteer Academy is intended to help make that possible. Our Zoom sessions will take place: Time: 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST) Duration: 1 hour To participate, please register here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-academy-zoom-registration/ You may register even if you cannot attend the live session. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording afterward. Thank you for everything you contribute to CFIC. I look forward to meeting you and working with you through the CFIC Volunteer Academy. Best regards, John Lombard Executive Director Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

To add your secular, scientific or critical thinking event to our calendar, please complete our Calendar Submission Form.

Please allow 7 days to for your event to be added to the calendar.

Questions? Email calendar@centreforinquiry.ca.