Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Centre for Inquiry Canada Your humanist community for scientific, skeptical, secular, and rational inquiry ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [February 2026 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2026-critical-links/) - February 2026 Critical Links - [CFIC Town Hall Meeting #10 – “The Emerging Geopolitical World Order: How Is It Different, and How Should It Be Shaped?”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-town-hall-meeting-10-the-emerging-geopolitical-world-order-how-is-it-different-and-how-should-it-be-shaped/) - CFIC Town Hall Meeting #10 – “The Emerging Geopolitical World Order: How Is It Different, and How Should It Be Shaped?” - [February 2026 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2026-dates-of-interest/) - Darwin's birthday, women in science, radio day - [Secularism QuickLinks – February 2026](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-february-2026/) - Challenging conscientious objection to MAiD, attempted theocracy in Canada, decline of Catholicism in Latin America. - [A New Beacon of Hope: CFI Canada Partners with ARAP to Protect Persecuted Non-Believers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-arap-partnership/) - CFI Canada expands its Assistance for Apostates (A4A) program through a new partnership with the Atheist Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP). - [Science Quicklinks – February 2026](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-february-2026/) - Vaccines, Mars influencing climate, Neanderthals - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks – February 2026](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-february-2026/) - ??? - [Keith's Conundrums: The Larger and the Smaller](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-the-larger-and-the-smaller/) - Ideas of "largeness" are relational and contextual, and can lead to interesting puzzles - [How researchers can maintain the standards of good science in a world of misinformation: The People’s Case for Curators](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-peoples-case-for-curators/) - Do you benefit from the work done by information curators? Are you one yourself? Join us to hear more about the essential work done by curators in today’s complex information landscape. - [Online talk: Mission and Misogyny](https://centreforinquiry.ca/online-talk-mission-and-misogyny/) - You're invited to the launch of our new report! - [Critical Links Retrospective: Predatory Journals](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-retrospective-predatory-journals/) - Some tools for identifying bad science - [Steven Pinker on Rationality and Humanist Values](https://centreforinquiry.ca/steven-pinker-on-rationality-and-humanist-values/) - Even as a young teenager, Dr. Steven Pinker (@sapinker) prized rationality as a virtue, and considered himself an anarchist. He changed that belief, however, when evidence indicated that anarchy was not a path to human flourishing. In this special episode, a co-production with the New Enlightenment Project, previous Podcast for Inquiry guest Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson - [David Good on the Yanomami and the Good Project](https://centreforinquiry.ca/david-good-on-the-yanomami-and-the-good-project/) - David Good is the son of an American anthropologist father and a Yanomami mother. David shares with Leslie what it is like to have one foot in two very different worlds, and the experience of meeting his mother in the jungle after twenty years in suburban America. They talk about the Yanomami equivalent of laws - [Emma Allen-Vercoe on the importance of microbes to human health](https://centreforinquiry.ca/emma-allen-vercoe-on-the-importance-of-microbes-to-human-health/) - Dr. Allen-Vercoe (@EmmaAllenVercoe) talks with Leslie about how to think of microbe populations across different people, and why they are important for digestion and overall health. They discuss research on the microbiome of the Yanomami, and why it is important. The role of serendipity in scientific progress is often underemphasized, and Emma shares how one - [John Gleason (Godless Engineer) on Jesus mythicism and online activism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/john-gleason-godless-engineer-on-jesus-mythicism-and-online-activism/) - John Gleason is known online as the Godless Engineer (@GodlessEngineer Facebook) and has spent the past decade debunking religious apologists and anti-science beliefs. Leslie asks John about his journey to atheism, and whether Jesus was a historical or mythical figure. John describes how he chose the audience he wanted to reach, and how he strives - [Brandon K. Gauthier on his book: Before Evil](https://centreforinquiry.ca/brandon-k-gauthier-on-his-book-before-evil/) - Brandon K. Gauthier (@bk_gauthier) wrote Before Evil, about the childhoods of six of the twentieth century's most notorious dictators, to show that even the most vile among us share a basic humanity. We must remember that if we are to avoid becoming like them. Brandon and Leslie discuss the impetus for writing the book and - [Eric Schnurer on what happens when territory no longer defines a government's authority](https://centreforinquiry.ca/eric-schnurer-on-what-happens-when-territory-no-longer-defines-a-governments-authority/) - Eric Schnurer is the author of the essay Democracy Disrupted: Governance in an Increasingly Virtual and Massively Distributed World. In it, Eric argues that the Internet will revolutionize our society on a scale similar to the agricultural and industrial revolutions, but on a timescale of years instead of decades or centuries. Eric and Leslie discuss - [Will Artificial Intelligence bolster or destroy humanity? Christopher DiCarlo on the future of AI](https://centreforinquiry.ca/will-artificial-intelligence-bolster-or-destroy-humanity-christopher-dicarlo-on-the-future-of-ai/) - Christopher DiCarlo is a philosopher of science and the founder of Critical Thinking Solutions. He and Leslie start by discussing the potential future for Artificial Intelligence (AI); both to help humanity (through DiCarlo's Onion Skin Theory of Knowledge (OSTOK) project, and how to avoid a robotic apocalypse. But they quickly realize that the most difficult - [The Declaration of Modern Humanism with Andrew Copson](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-declaration-of-modern-humanism-with-andrew-copson/) - Andrew Copson (@andrewcopson) is the president of Humanists International, which published its Declaration of Modern Humanism earlier this year. Andrew describes the content of the Declaration and the process by which it was created, and he and Leslie talk about how it differs from its 1952 and 2002 incarnations. Podcast for Inquiry is brought to - [The Christian Destruction of the Classical World with Catherine Nixey](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-christian-destruction-of-the-classical-world-with-catherine-nixey/) - Catherine Nixey is the author of The Darkening Age, which documents how early Christians burned texts, defaced or demolished statues, and became increasingly intolerant of any thought or behaviour that deviated from their interpretation of Scripture. Catherine and Leslie discuss religious pluralism in the Roman Empire and how it changed after the Emperor Constantine's conversion - [Bonus: TDSB Trustee Candidate Matt Farrell on Merging Ontario's Public and Catholic school boards](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bonus-tdsb-trustee-candidate-matt-farrell-on-merging-ontarios-public-and-catholic-school-boards/) - Municipal council and school board elections in Ontario will take place on Monday, October 24, 2022. One Toronto District School Board (Toronto-Danforth) Trustee candidate, Matt Farrell (@Matt4TO_Trustee), will do something that no other public school trustee has promised - if he wins, he will initiate a process "culminating in a formal request by the TDSB - [Dying for Rights: Putting North Korea's Human Rights Abuses on the Record with Dr. Sandra Fahy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dying-for-rights-putting-north-koreas-human-rights-abuses-on-the-record-with-dr-sandra-fahy/) - Sandra describes the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Kim dynasty in North Korea, and why it is important to have them documented. Despite being considered a pariah nation by many, some defend the nation and the regime expends considerable effort to bolster its reputation internationally. Sandra and Leslie discuss the limits of national sovereignty, - [Leslie's Diatribes #1 - Covid Vaccine Patents](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslies-diatribes-1-covid-vaccine-patents/) - Welcome to the first of an ongoing occasional series of bonus material for Podcast for Inquiry subscribers. Leslie's Diatribes will be a sounding board for Leslie to fulminate on topics he is passionate about. Today's topic is vaccine patents. Covid-19 vaccines have saved tens of millions of lives globally - but the decision of governments - [Thomas Westbrook on becoming Holy Koolaid](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thomas-westbrook-on-becoming-holy-koolaid/) - Thomas Westbrook (@holykoolaid) was brought up as an evangelical Christian. Upon learning that truth should be able to withstand scrutiny, he eagerly looked at the tenets of his faith with a critical lens… and found it wanting. After realizing that science explained the world in a much more coherent manner than religion, he started his - [How youth can take climate action with Jasveen Brar](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-youth-can-take-climate-action-with-jasveen-brar/) - Jasveen Brar is the Executive Director of Youth Climate Lab, a "non-profit organization of youth mobilizing youth to create just, climate-resilient futures." Jasveen explains why her organization focuses on people under 30, their accomplishments to date, and what they are planning for the future. She and Leslie also talk about the role of the individual, - [Futures studies with Joseph Voros](https://centreforinquiry.ca/futures-studies-with-joseph-voros/) - Dr. Joseph Voros has been a professional futurist for over two decades. He and Leslie discuss what futures studies is, and the challenges in recognizing successful efforts that prevent catastrophes. Dr. Voros describes the difference between probable, plausible, and possible futures, how to classify them and what we can do to increase the probability of - [David Robert Grimes on his book, Good Thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/david-robert-grimes-on-his-book-good-thinking/) - David Robert Grimes (@drg1985) is a scientist and author of Good Thinking (The Irrational Ape in Europe and UK). David and Leslie talk about the centrality of critical thinking to human flourishing, and the many, many ways intuitive heuristics can mislead us. And yet, with training and diligence, we can overcome our biases, motivated reasoning, - [Bryan Van Norden on the importance of Chinese philosophy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bryan-van-norden-on-the-importance-of-chinese-philosophy/) - Bryan Van Norden (@BryanVanNorden) is a professor of Chinese philosophy. He and Leslie discuss the six titans of Chinese philosophical schools, along the parallels and differences with various Western philosophies. Bryan makes the case for studying Chinese philosophy in a world full of fascinating topics to learn about, and argues for incorporating a more diverse - [What It Means to be Moral with Phil Zuckerman](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-it-means-to-be-moral-with-phil-zuckerman/) - Phil Zuckerman is a professor of Secular Studies at Pitzer College. Phil describes what the Secular Studies program entails from philosophical, political, and sociological perspectives. Phil is the author of What It Means to be Moral, and he and Leslie discuss how leading an ethical life does not require a religious foundation. Phil is the - [Ashley Esakin explains how you - yes, you! - can be a gardener](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ashley-esakin-explains-how-you-yes-you-can-be-a-gardener/) - Ashley Esakin is passionate about plants, and provides advice about how anyone - rural, urban, even those who live in apartments - can start their own garden. She and Leslie talk about how seeds both sense and manipulate their environment, efficiency and environmental challenges in modern agriculture (and how they are being addressed), and some - [What does history say about the accuracy of Bible stories? With Dr. Joshua Bowen](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-does-history-say-about-the-accuracy-of-bible-stories-with-dr-joshua-bowen/) - Dr. Joshua Bowen (@DJHammurabi1) is an Assyriology scholar and author of "The Atheist Guide to the Old Testament". Josh describes his journey from fundamentalist evangelical Christianity to atheism, and what motivated him to write two volumes (so far!) of the Atheist Guide. He and Leslie discuss the Old Testament book of Exodus, and its correspondence - [Bonus: Leslie Rosenblood on Humanism in Children and Women's Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslie-rosenblood-on-humanism-in-children-and-womens-rights/) - CFIC was invited to give a presentation on Humanism in Children and Women's Rights at the third International Humanism Conference for Social Justice in September 2022. Leslie spoke on Humanism in Children and Women's rights. Today's bonus episode is his speech at the conference. Podcast for Inquiry is brought to you by the Centre for - [Allan Offenberger on Fusion Research: What We've Achieved, What Remains to be Solved](https://centreforinquiry.ca/allen-offenberger-on-the-fusion-research-what-weve-achieved-what-remains-to-be-solved/) - In December 2022, fusion researchers achieved a major accomplishment: more energy resulted from a controlled fusion reaction than was put into it. Allan explains why this is more a symbolic milestone than a sign that commercial fusion is imminent. Allan describes the current state of the art in fusion research, and the many ways fusion - [Chris Shelton on Scientology and destructive cults](https://centreforinquiry.ca/chris-shelton-on-scientology-and-destructive-cults/) - Chris Shelton was raised within the Church of Scientology, which he left a decade ago. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping those seeking to escape coercively controlling environments. Chris explains how all cults use the same playbook to recruit and keep members, techniques to which we are all susceptible. Chris shares how - [Bonus: Leslie Rosenblood debates God's role in politics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bonus-leslie-rosenblood-debates-gods-role-in-politics/) - In February 2015, Leslie Rosenblood participated in the second Chesterton debate, organized by the Archdiocese of Toronto, arguing against the motion that God should play a significant role in political affairs. Iain Benson, a Roman Catholic legal philosopher and consultant, took the opposing position. The moderator was Lorna Dueck. The debate was rebroadcast on Salt - [Jamie Woodhouse on Sentientism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/jamie-woodhouse-on-sentientism/) - Jamie is a leading advocate for Sentientism ("evidence, reason, and compassion for all sentient beings") as a worldview and as a global movement. Jamie and Leslie discuss what Sentientism is along with its philosophical, ethical, and practical implications. Learn more through the Sentientism Podcast and YouTube channel, the global Sentientism Facebook community, and on Twitter - [Philippa Carter: What is a religion?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/philippa-carter-what-is-a-religion/) - Philippa Carter (@PhilippaCarter) has her PhD in Religious Studies, is a professor within McMaster's Society, Culture & Religion degree program, and teaches a course called, "What on Earth is Religion?" Yet there is no simple answer to this straightforward question. The conversation ranges from religions to cults, philosophies, creeds, and worldviews, with stops at free - [Marie-Claire Khadij is the Canadian Armed Forces' first Humanist Chaplain](https://centreforinquiry.ca/marie-claire-khadij-is-the-canadian-armed-forces-first-humanist-chaplain/) - Marie-Claire Khadij (FB, IG, Twitter) was born into a devout Roman Catholic family, and was a practicing Christian for much of her early life. She describes her journey from faith to agnosticism to Humanism, as well as how and why she joined the Canadian Armed Forces - first as a Roman Catholic chaplain, and then - [Recovering from Religion with Steve Ironside](https://centreforinquiry.ca/recovering-from-religion-with-steve-ironside/) - Steve Ironside is the Ambassador Program Director for Recovering from Religion, an organization dedicated to providing hope, healing and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. Steve describes the several services RfR offers free of charge to people trying to reconcile aspects of their lives that may not be fully consistent with - [Secular Buddhism with Noah Rasheta](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-buddhism-with-noah-rasheta/) - Noah Rasheta integrates Buddhist philosophy into every aspect of his life. He talks with Leslie about Secular Buddhism, and they compare and contrast Buddhist teachings with Christian thought and Stoic philosophy. They discuss Noah's book "No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners", delving into aspects that Leslie heartily agreed with and others that required further clarification for genuine - [Misogyny in Humanism with Srishti Hukku](https://centreforinquiry.ca/misogyny-in-humanism-with-srishti-hukku/) - Do people in the Humanist movement live up to their stated ideals? How does sexism and misogyny persist within Humanist circles? Srishti Hukku has been a humanist activist for close to two decades, and shares her experiences and insights with host Leslie Rosenblood in a personal and penetrating conversation. Podcast for Inquiry is brought to - [Justice-Centered Humanism with Roy Speckhardt](https://centreforinquiry.ca/justice-centered-humanism-with-roy-speckhardt/) - Roy Speckardt is the past executive director of the American Humanist Association. He speaks with Leslie about his latest book, Justice-Centered Humanism. Conversation topics include: Roy's journey to Humanism How to get Humanists involved in activism How Humanism leads to Social Justice Environmentalism Sentientism (referencing the PfI episode with Jamie Woodhouse in March 2023) Secularism - [Dana Korneisel on tetrapods and her book, "Dana Digs Dinosaurs"](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dana-korneisel-on-tetrapods-and-her-book-dana-digs-dinosaurs/) - What is a tetrapod? What is a homologue, and how does it differ from convergent evolution? Dana answers Leslie's many questions about animal development from embryo to adult, talks about her research on amphibians and axolotls, and how her book, "Dana Digs Dinosaurs", was inspired by the excitement of a seven year old. Podcast for - [Homophobia in Catholic Schools with Tonya Callaghan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/homophobia-in-catholic-schools-with-tonya-callaghan/) - Why do publicly funded Catholic schools exist in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta? Does the government or the Church actually run them? Leslie speaks with Dr. Tonya Callaghan, author of Homophobia in the Hallways, about systemic homophobia in Canadian Catholic schools. They discuss the long struggle to establish Gay-Straight Alliances, the oddly selective enforcement of Catholic - [Leslie's Diatribes #2 - Catholic Health Care "Ethics"](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslies-diatribes-2-catholic-health-care-ethics/) - Welcome to the second episode of Leslie's Diatribes, a sounding board for Leslie to fulminate on topics he is passionate about. Today's topic is the Health Ethics Guide, a publication of the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada. Employees in Catholic health care facilities in eight provinces are told to sign this code of ethics every - [Escaping North Korea with Eunju Kim](https://centreforinquiry.ca/escaping-north-korea-with-eunju-kim/) - How does one survive in an authoritarian regime, where you are sent away for education if the frame holding a picture of the Dear Leader gets dirty? When no one has enough to eat? Eunju Kim is the author of A Thousand Miles to Freedom, which describes her harrowing escape from North Korea to Seoul. - [Catherine Dunphy on Humanist activism and the Kimberley project](https://centreforinquiry.ca/catherine-dunphy-on-humanist-activism-and-the-kimberley-project/) - Catherine is a humanist activist, and believes the two go hand in hand. Catherine talks about the inherent tension within the Catholic Social Justice Movement, and her own journey out of Catholicism. She describes the link between Christofascism and Incels (see her article in Free Inquiry). Catherine's activism today is focused on The Kimberley Project, - [How Minds Change with David McRaney](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-minds-change-with-david-mcraney/) - Leslie talks with David McRaney (@davidmcraney) about his book, "How Minds Change". They explore how social context is critical when people form their opinions. People don't change their minds in a vacuum, and David describes how network effects lead to social cascades, such as how widespread resistance to equal marriage flipped to widespread acceptance in - [SciComm in the time of Covid, with Tara Moriarty](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scicomm-in-the-time-of-covid-with-tara-moriarty/) - Dr. Tara Moriarty (@MoriartyLab) was happy being a research scientist, studying how Lyme disease bacteria travel to different parts of our body using the bloodstream. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and she saw a vast need for disseminating accurate information to the public. So she founded COVID-19 Resources Canada (http://www.covid19resources.ca) and learned on the fly - ["Don't be Evil" no longer applies, with Paris Marx](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dont-be-evil-no-longer-applies-with-paris-marx/) - Paris Marx (@parismarx) is a critic of Silicon Valley business practices and the impact they have on workers and society at large. Paris writes the Disconnect newsletter and hosts Tech Won't Save Us, an award-winning critical technology podcast. In today's episode, Paris explains the flaws in each category of the tech sector, including: Blockchain and - [Seth Andrews, host of The Thinking Atheist, on the un-Christian behaviour of many Christians](https://centreforinquiry.ca/seth-andrews-the-thinking-atheist-on-the-un-christian-behaviour-of-many-christians/) - Seth Andrews (@SethAndrewsTTA) is the host of The Thinking Atheist, a very popular podcast and online resource for nonbelievers. Seth talks about his life as an evangelical Christian and what led him to leave his faith. He and Leslie talk about how many Christians embrace seemingly un-Christian beliefs and policies, and what Humanists need to - [Dr. Evelyn Forget believes Canadians need Basic Income](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dr-evelyn-forget-believes-canadians-need-basic-income/) - Dr. Evelyn Forget is Canada's foremost expert on Basic Income, and the author of Basic Income for Canadians: From the COVID-19 Emergency to Financial Security for all. Dr. Forget describes what Basic Income is, and how it differs from UBI (Universal Basic Income). She talks about the results of a Basic Income pilot conducted in - [Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff: Do cities listen to the Supreme Court?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dr-teale-phelps-bondaroff-do-cities-listen-to-the-supreme-court/) - Is secularism church-state separation or government neutrality in matters of religion? What does state religious neutrality look like? When the Supreme Court of Canada issues a ruling, is that the final word? What is the difference between a welcome, a traditional greeting, a cultural practice, and a prayer, especially in the context of indigenous nations - [Solomon, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Gandalf: All fictional! With David Fitzgerald](https://centreforinquiry.ca/solomon-jesus-mohammed-buddha-gandalf-all-fictional-with-david-fitzgerald/) - After years of research, David Fitzgerald has come to a surprising conclusion: that all the main characters in the world's major religions are entirely the product of human imagination. While many have long doubted the supernatural feats that religious figures are purported to have done, the assumption that these are grounded in at least a - [Gretchen Morgenson on her book These are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs -- and Wrecks -- America](https://centreforinquiry.ca/gretchen-morgenson-on-her-book-these-are-the-plunderers-how-private-equity-runs-and-wrecks-america/) - What is Private Equity, and how does it work? Gretchen Morgenson (@gmorgenson) is a Pulitzer-winning journalist whose latest book is These are the Plunderers. Gretchen exposes the bad and often illegal activities of Private Equity firms, and tries to explain why they have been allowed to get away with it for so long. She explains - [A century of Humanism with Gordon Precious](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-century-of-humanism-with-gordon-precious/) - Gordon Precious was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1924. As a teenager he became a born-again Christian but as he travelled the world he began to question why he believed his faith was the only true one. As his 100th birthday approaches, Gordon shares his insights on vaccines, technology, humanism, and death. Podcast for Inquiry - [Liberalism a post-liberal world, with Russell Blackford](https://centreforinquiry.ca/liberalism-a-post-liberal-world-with-russel-blackford/) - Russell Blackford (@Metamagician) is a philosopher, literary critic, and widely published author. Russell talks about how the philosophical principle of Liberalism runs through his two most recent books, The Tyranny of Opinion and How We Became Post-Liberal. Our conversation starts with a definition of how Liberalism emerged over the past few centuries, and delves into - [The life of a refugee in exile: "Omer" shares his story](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-life-of-a-refugee-in-exile-omer-shares-his-story/) - "Omer" (a pseudonym) was born and raised in Pakistan, but his life was threatened when he expressed doubts about the inerrancy of Islam. He survived a manhunt by the Pakistani government, and now lives as a refugee in Nepal. Omer is the first Pakistani atheist to reach 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. He has - [Leslie's Diatribes #3: Canadian Insurance and Pharmacy companies collude to coerce](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslies-diatribes-3-canadian-insurance-and-pharmacy-companies-collude-to-coerce/) - Canadians with group benefits covered by Manulife will soon be able to fill certain prescriptions only at Loblaw-owned pharmacies, such as Shoppers Drug Mart. In today's Diatribe, Leslie fulminates against this blatantly anti-competitive, coercive arrangement that harms everyone it affects except the profits of two of Canada's largest companies. Leslie explains why this deal ought - [Sandra Dunham asks: Why does Canada give $5.6 billion annually to religious charities?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sandra-dunham-asks-why-does-canada-give-5-6-billion-annually-to-religious-charities/) - Canada allows organizations that do nothing but "advance religion" to be classified as charities. This policy decision costs Canadians at least $5.6 billion every year, according to CFIC's Cost of Religion reports. Sandra Dunham explains what this amount includes, how it was calculated, and the many benefits that religious institutions enjoy in addition to this - [Maryam Namazie and The Paris Appeal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/maryam-namazie-and-the-paris-appeal/) - Maryam Namazie (@MaryamNamazie) is the spokesperson for One Law for All and the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. In December 2023, the CEMB released The Paris Appeal, calling for Laics of all countries to unite. Maryam explains the purpose and content of The Paris Appeal, and along the way gets into the difference between laïcité - [Julien Musolino asks: Who cares if Libertarian Free Will is scientifically incoherent?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/julien-musolino-asks-who-cares-if-libertarian-free-will-is-scientifically-incoherent/) - Dr. Julien Musolino is a cognitive scientist and author of The Soul Fallacy. He explains why the intuitively, commonly-held notion of free will - known as "libertarian" or "contra-causal" - is scientifically incoherent. This has some implications for how we view ourselves and how we treat others, but on many levels it also doesn't matter. - [Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will, with Kevin Mitchell](https://centreforinquiry.ca/free-agents-how-evolution-gave-us-free-will-with-kevin-mitchell/) - Kevin Mitchell (@WiringtheBrain) is Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin and writes the blog Wiring the Brain. His book, Free Agents, argues that evolution gave us Free Will. Kevin begins by describing free will, how life has it but rocks do not, and the gradient of choice from paramecia to humans. - [Bonus: BAHACON - Sarnia Ontario, August 9-11 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bonus-bahacon-sarnia-ontario-august-9-11-2024/) - In this bonus episode of Podcast for Inquiry, Leslie speaks with Bob Barnes and Jeff Brooks of Bluewater Atheists, Humanists and Agnostics about the third annual BAHACON, to be held in Sarnia, Ontario on August 9-11, 2024. Leslie hopes to see you there! Podcast for Inquiry is hosted by Leslie Rosenblood and brought to you - [Misguided: My Jesus Freak Life In A Doomsday Cult with Perry Bulwer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/misguided-my-jesus-freak-life-in-a-doomsday-cult-with-perry-bulwer/) - Perry Bulwer (Facebook) speaks about his part-memoir, part-exposé book, Misguided: My Jesus Freak Life in a Doomsday Cult. Perry describes what first attracted him to the cult, and why he stayed in it for nearly 20 years. Perry recounts the lasting damage from his time in the Children of God, to himself and especially to - [Behind the Scenes at Podcast for Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/behind-the-scenes-at-podcast-for-inquiry/) - Leslie gave the keynote address at the Centre for Inquiry Canada's Annual General Meeting in March. That address is today's special episode of Podcast for Inquiry. Leslie talks about the principles underlying the podcast, the rules and guidelines they led to, and some of the difficult decisions those working on the podcast had to make. - [Alternative medicine nearly killed me, says Kat Mac](https://centreforinquiry.ca/alternative-medicine-nearly-killed-me-says-kat-mac/) - Kat McLeod is passionate about dispelling misinformation, especially regarding herbal remedies. Taking herbal supplements nearly killed her, so she volunteers at the University of Alberta as a mentor for pharmacy and medical students, arming them with the knowledge that can hopefully prevent the kind of suffering she has endured. Kat and Leslie talk about some - [The Ten Commitments, with Kristin Wintermute and Emily Newman](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-ten-commitments-with-kristin-wintermute-and-emily-newman/) - The Ten Commitments come from the American Humanist Association's Center for Education. They "represent our shared humanistic values and principles that promote a democratic world in which every individual's worth and dignity is respected, nurtured, and supported, and where human freedom and ethical responsibility are natural aspirations for everyone." Leslie speaks with Kristin Wintermute, Director - [The Founding Myth, with Andrew Seidel](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-founding-myth-with-andrew-seidel/) - Andrew Seidel (@AndrewLSeidel) is the author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is un-American, and works for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He and Leslie discuss the birth of the United States and its founding documents. Andrew reveals that America was not intended to be in any way a Christian nation, - [What's the point if there's no god? Ralph Lewis has an answer.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/whats-the-point-of-theres-no-god-ralph-lewis-has-an-answer/) - Dr. Ralph Lewis is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, a practicing psychiatrist, and blogs for Psychology Today. Leslie and Dr. Lewis explore the themes in his book, "Finding Purpose in a Godless World: Why We Care Even if the Universe Doesn't", including addressing some key questions: Does the universe have a purpose? - [The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself, with Robin Reames](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-ancient-art-of-thinking-for-yourself-with-robin-reames/) - Robin Reames is the incoming Culbertson Chair of English at Indiana University. She researches and writes about the history of ideas, particularly lost ideas from the ancient Greek rhetorical tradition that can enrich our lives today. Leslie and Robin talk about her book, The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself: The Power of Rhetoric in - [The search for truth, with Carolyn Biltoft](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-search-for-truth-with-carolyn-biltoft/) - Carolyn Biltoft received her PhD in World History from Princeton University in 2010. Her work fuses the tools of world history, intellectual history, cultural studies and critical theory. Carolyn has thought deeply about the nature of truth, and realized that each person necessarily has an incomplete understanding, because we only experience a small aspect of - [Kelly Weinersmith asks: Are we ready to live off-planet?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/kelly-weinersmith-asks-are-we-ready-to-live-off-planet/) - Dr. Kelly Weinersmith (@FuSchmu) is the co-author (with her husband Zach) of Soonish and A City on Mars. Kelly maintains that while having humans living off Earth would be awesome, we're simply not ready for it yet. She answers many of Leslie's questions: Why can't we go to Mars if we have the will? Why - [Anti-natalism with Mark Maharaj](https://centreforinquiry.ca/anti-natalism-with-mark-maharaj/) - Anti-natalism is the philosophical idea that choosing to have children is an unethical act. Mark explains what anti-natalism is, as well as what it isn't, and describes how he came to subscribe to anti-natalist thought. Learn more about anti-natalism from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (https://iep.utm.edu/anti-natalism/) and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/parenthood/#AntiNata) Podcast for Inquiry - [Science Denial: Why It Happens and What To Do About It, with Gale Sinatra](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-denial-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-about-it-with-gale-sinatra/) - Everyone is vulnerable to fallacies that can lead to misunderstanding scientific topics. In her book (written with Barbara Hofer), Science Denial: Why It Happens and What To Do About It, Gale investigates many of these, including: Cognitive biases Emotions Motivated reasoning Identities Gale also explains what all of us can do to increase our scientific - [Greg Oliver asks: Why is religious discrimination official provincial educational funding policy?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/greg-oliver-asks-why-is-religious-discrimination-official-provincial-educational-funding-policy/) - Greg Oliver, founder and president of the Canadian Secular Alliance, believes that governments should not favour one faith over another, nor believers over non-believers. That three Canadian provinces continue to this day to fully fund a Separate school system for a single faith - Catholicism - is an egregious violation of secular principles that should - [Kate Cohen believes atheists should be out and proud](https://centreforinquiry.ca/kate-cohen-believes-atheists-should-be-out-and-proud/) - Kate Cohen talks about her journey from privately knowing she was a non-believer to writing We of Little Faith: Why I Stopped Pretending to Believe (And Maybe You Should Too). She discusses how being an atheist and a commitment to honesty informed how she raised her children, and how being forthright about her lack of - [Does the Bible endorse slavery and genocide? Dr. Joshua Bowen provides receipts.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/does-the-bible-endorse-slavery-and-genocide-dr-joshua-bowen-provides-receipts/) - In his first appearance on Podcast for Inquiry, Dr. Josh Bowen compared what we know about history from archaeology and contemporaneous literature with the stories from the Old Testament. In today's episode, Dr. Bowen reveals what the Bible has to say about slavery and genocide, and goes a bit outside his comfort zone to talk - [Melanie Trecek-King defines and discusses critical thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/melanie-trecek-king-defines-and-discusses-critical-thinking/) - Many people - especially those in skeptical organizations like CFIC - talk about the importance of critical thinking. But what is it? How can we use it effectively? How do people navigate complex subject areas without developing deep expertise? Melanie Trecek-King, creator of Thinking is Power, discusses how people internalize beliefs, how they can be - [Saving civilization is about more than climate change, says Professor Katherine Richardson](https://centreforinquiry.ca/saving-civilization-is-about-more-than-climate-change-says-professor-katherine-richardson/) - All life on earth ultimately depends on energy and how it flows between biological and geochemical systems on the planet. Katherine Richardson and her team identified nine boundaries which need to be respected if our planet is to remain conducive to human thriving. Climate change is just one of them. We are exceeding six boundaries, - [Heresy: Jesus Christ and the Other Sons of God, with Catherine Nixey](https://centreforinquiry.ca/heresy-jesus-christ-and-the-other-sons-of-god-with-catherine-nixey/) - Why do scholars now refer to early Christianities instead of early Christianity? How has the meaning of the word "Heresy" changed from its original definition to taking on its current connotations? Why did Christianity grow from a fringe cult with few followers and disdained by the intelligentsia and people in power to becoming the largest - [Paco Calvo considers the possibility of plant intelligence](https://centreforinquiry.ca/paco-calvo-considers-the-possibility-of-plant-intelligence/) - Paco's thesis is a provocative one: plants are, in a meaningful sense, intelligent. Paco discusses what intelligence is, and how we might recognize it in other beings. People used to believe that only humans are intelligent. Over time, other mammals were deemed to also think and feel. Today, most people grant that many animals, such - [Canada has not reconciled with its Indigenous peoples, say Maureen Bulbrook and Christina Ninham](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canada-has-not-reconciled-with-its-indigenous-peoples-say-maureen-bulbrook-and-christina-ninham/) - Maureen Bulbrook and Christina Ninham are Indigenous lawyers who know from direct experience that Canada has never stopped discriminating against its First Nations people, from the Doctrine of Discovery at the time of contact to current day (with Prime Minister Harper arguing that residential school records should be destroyed even as he apologized for Canada's - [Gaia Vince identifies the four horsemen of the Anthropocene](https://centreforinquiry.ca/gaia-vince-identifies-the-four-horsemen-of-the-anthropocene/) - Gaia Vince (@wanderinggaia) is an award-winning science writer and author. She is particularly interested in the interaction between human systems and Earth's planetary systems. Her research has taken her around the world. Gaia's latest book is Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World. We are already at 1.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures, - [Everything you always wanted to know about the solar system* (*but were afraid to ask), with John E. Moores](https://centreforinquiry.ca/everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-about-the-solar-system-but-were-afraid-to-ask-with-john-e-moores/) - John E. Moores (X, Bluesky) is a planetary scientist and associate professor at York University. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, formerly served as the Science Advisor to the President of the Canadian Space Agency and has contributed to five NASA and ESA-led space missions. He is the co-author of Daydreaming - [Burkas, beatings and bicycles - The life of Yasmine Mohammed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/burkas-beatings-and-bicycles-the-life-of-yasmine-mohammed/) - Yasmine Mohammed is a human rights activist and author of Unveiled: How the West Empowers Radical Muslims. Yasmine is one of the most prominent and vocal figures supporting persecuted freethinkers across the globe, from elevating the voices of marginalized freethinkers on her podcast, to creating a global network of allies across religious and political divides - [Distinguishing jargon from gobbledygook - Dr. Jonathan Stea on evidence-based medicine over wellness industry misinformation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/distinguishing-jargon-from-gobbledygook-dr-jonathan-stea-on-evidence-based-medicine-over-wellness-industry-misinformation/) - Jonathan Stea (BlueSky, Facebook) is a full-time practicing clinical psychologist and an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. In today's episode, Jonathan reveals that many mental health practitioners have no scientific grounding for their treatments, which can lead to disaster - yet it can be very difficult for - [Trials and tribulations trying to bring a refugee to Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/trials-and-tribulations-trying-to-bring-a-refugee-to-canada/) - In 2019, Brian and Brent (members of the Calgary-based Rocky Mountain Atheists) joined a "Group of Five (G5)" sponsorship committee (one of the ways Canada allows private citizens to resettle refugees in Canada) to bring a UN recognized refugee, Omer, to Canada. When Omer expressed doubts about his faith, he had to flee his native - [Cell phones, Cinemas, and Comestibles: Canada's Conundrum with Monopolies, with Vass Bednar](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cell-phones-cinemas-and-comestibles-canadas-conundrum-with-monopolies-with-vass-bednar/) - Vass Bednar is the Executive Director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy program, and the co-author of The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians. Our conversation starts with the observation that many sectors in Canada's economy are dominated by one or only a few firms. Vass and Leslie discuss whether that - [Nigerian Nightmare: The personal toll of being a Humanist, with Mubarak Bala](https://centreforinquiry.ca/nigerian-nightmare-the-personal-toll-of-being-a-humanist-with-mubarak-bala/) - Mubarak Bala was born in Nigeria's Kano State, on the southern coasts of the Sahara Desert, in 1984. He was schooled in both the Islamic and modern education system. This makes him an outlier, since most families believe the two school systems are mutually exclusive. Boko, Western Education, is Haram, or unIslamic. When Mubarak started - [A little less livestock, a lot more action - with Mark Lynas](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-little-less-livestock-a-lot-more-action-with-mark-lynas/) - Mark Lynas is the author of several environmental books, including Seeds of Science (2018), Our Final Warning (2020), and the forthcoming Six Minutes to Winter. Until 2024 he was research and climate lead with the Alliance for Science at the Boyce Thompson Institute, an affiliate of Cornell University. Mark is now the policy lead with - [New clear nuclear news, with Jason Donev](https://centreforinquiry.ca/new-clear-nuclear-news-with-jason-donev/) - Prof. Jason Donev is tenured at the University of Calgary. He leads the world's largest and most used energy resource for adults, http://www.EnergyEducation.ca. As a reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Prof. Donev works to help people understand nuclear power's role in providing reliable energy without emitting greenhouse gases. Jason talks about how - [BONUS: BAHACON 4 in Sarnia Ontario, August 8-10, 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bonus-bahacon-4-in-sarnia-ontario-august-8-10-2025/) - The fourth BAHACON is coming in a little over two month's time. Leslie speaks with Jeff Brooks about the conference's location, speakers, and other attractions that makes the Bluewater Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics conference so popular for attendees from across North America. Learn more and register at https://bahacon.com/ Podcast for Inquiry is hosted by Leslie - [Is nuclear energy low carbon, cost efficient, and sustainable? Jason Donev has the answers.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/is-nuclear-energy-low-carbon-cost-efficient-and-sustainable-jason-donev-has-the-answers/) - If uranium in a nuclear power plant emits so much radiation it boils tons of water, how safe is it for workers? Given the huge facilities required and massive mining efforts, is nuclear truly carbon neutral? Is there enough uranium in the earth for nuclear energy to be a long term source of electricity? If - [Aaron Devor explains the ABCs of the Trans+ community](https://centreforinquiry.ca/aaron-devor-explains-the-abcs-of-lgbtq/) - Leslie speaks with Aaron about many issues related to transgender people, or the Trans+ community. They discuss how the perceived binaries of sex, sexual preference, gender, and gender expression are more complicated and nuanced in reality. Aaron details how many people identify as transgender and nonbinary in Canada, and provides insights into many current controversies - [ENCORE: What It Means to be Moral with Phil Zuckerman](https://centreforinquiry.ca/encore-what-it-means-to-be-moral-with-phil-zuckerman/) - PfI is on hiatus for the summer, so we're bringing you some of our favourite episodes from our back catalogue. New shows will resume in September. Phil Zuckerman is a professor of Secular Studies at Pitzer College. Phil describes what the Secular Studies program entails from philosophical, political, and sociological perspectives. Phil is the author - [Leslie's Diatribes #4: AI: Show Me the Money!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslies-diatribes-4-ai-show-me-the-money/) - There are many critiques that people have made about the AI industry: privacy, piracy, electricity and water usage, hallucinations, and more. Leslie focuses on one aspect he doesn't understand at all: Where does the money come from? Each AI datacentre costs tens of billions to build - hundreds of billions have been spent across the - [ENCORE: Seth Andrews, host of the Thinking Atheist, on Christians acting in un-Christian ways](https://centreforinquiry.ca/encore-seth-andrews-host-of-the-thinking-atheist-on-christians-acting-in-un-christian-ways/) - Seth Andrews (@SethAndrewsTTA) is the host of The Thinking Atheist, a very popular podcast and online resource for nonbelievers. Seth talks about his life as an evangelical Christian and what led him to leave his faith. He and Leslie talk about how many Christians embrace seemingly un-Christian beliefs and policies, and what Humanists need to - [ENCORE - The Christian Destruction of the Classical World with Catherine Nixey](https://centreforinquiry.ca/encore-the-christian-destruction-of-the-classical-world-with-catherine-nixey/) - Catherine Nixey is the author of The Darkening Age, which documents how early Christians burned texts, defaced or demolished statues, and became increasingly intolerant of any thought or behaviour that deviated from their interpretation of Scripture. Catherine and Leslie discuss religious pluralism in the Roman Empire and how it changed after the Emperor Constantine's conversion - [ENCORE: Gretchen Morgenson on her book These are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs -- and Wrecks -- America](https://centreforinquiry.ca/encore-gretchen-morgenson-on-her-book-these-are-the-plunderers-how-private-equity-runs-and-wrecks-america/) - What is Private Equity, and how does it work? Gretchen Morgenson (@gmorgenson) is a Pulitzer-winning journalist whose latest book is These are the Plunderers. Gretchen exposes the bad and often illegal activities of Private Equity firms, and tries to explain why they have been allowed to get away with it for so long. She explains - [The Examined Run with Sabrina Little](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-examined-run-with-sabrina-little/) - Sabrina Little is a philosopher, ultra-runner, and the author of The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners. She is a five-time U.S. National Champion in trail and ultrarunning, a former American Record Holder, and World Silver Medalist. In today's episode, Sabrina answers the question: Why do good people make better runners? What are - [Justin Ling on the right wing media ecosystem](https://centreforinquiry.ca/justin-ling-on-the-right-wing-media-ecosystem/) - Justin Ling (@justinling.ca) is an investigative journalist who writes the Bug-eyed and Shameless newsletter and recently published the book The 51st State Votes. The conversation begins with the right wing media ecosystem, and its effect particularly on US politics. Justin explains why there isn't really a counterpart on the left, and what makes Canada different - [Modern Stoicism for modern life, with modern Stoic Donald Robertson](https://centreforinquiry.ca/modern-stoicism-for-modern-life-with-modern-stoic-donald-robertson/) - Donald Robertson (Substack) is a writer, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, and trainer. He is one of the founding members of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit, and the founder and president of the Plato's Academy Centre nonprofit in Athens, Greece. Leslie's conversation with Donald traces the path from ancient Stoicism to the modern day. The word stoicism had come - [Once Upon a Prime with Sarah Hart](https://centreforinquiry.ca/once-upon-a-prime-with-sarah-hart/) - Leslie's conversation with Sarah starts with the connections between mathematics and literature, including references to Shakespeare, Herman Melville, George Eliot, Lewis Carroll, Douglas Adams, and more. Good writing has structure, and structure can be understood in mathematical terms, and Sarah explains how mathematics can greatly enrich one's enjoyment of literature. Sarah also describes how mathematics - [Andrew Coyne on the Crisis of Canadian Democracy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/andrew-coyne-on-the-crisis-of-canadian-democracy/) - Andrew Coyne (@acoyne) is a columnist for The Globe and Mail and author of The Crisis of Canadian Democracy. In today's episode, Andrew makes the case that Canadian democracy is headed for a crisis. He talks about the problems of Canada's first past the post or "winner takes all" election system. The conversation includes an - [The building blocks of corporate scandals: Guido Palazzo reveals the Dark Pattern](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-building-blocks-of-corporate-scandals-guido-palazzo-reveals-the-dark-pattern/) - Corporate scandals are depressingly common, and it's all too easy to chalk them up to individual bad apples. Unfortunately, this simple explanation is not accurate. Guido's research led him to write The Dark Pattern: The hidden dynamics of corporate scandals, which details the nine building blocks that lead otherwise good people to do bad things. - [Can We Have a Conversation? Exploring Polarization to Find Common Ground, with Jasmin Faulk](https://centreforinquiry.ca/can-we-have-a-conversation-exploring-polarization-to-find-common-ground-with-jasmin-faulk/) - Leslie's conversation with Jasmin Faulk begins with what Saudi Arabia was like when she was growing up, and what has and hasn't changed since then. Jasmin talks about the fire of youth, the wisdom that comes from age, and how society needs both activists and advocates to move forward. She also shares her desire to - [Living life as a Humanist, with Steve Ghikadis](https://centreforinquiry.ca/living-life-as-a-humanist-with-steve-ghikadis/) - Steve Ghikadis is a Humanist Officiant, who conducts secular marriages, memorials, and other life affirming celebrations. Raised as a freethinker, Steve has been married to a Christian for over a decade. Steve serves as an Ambassador for Humanist Canada, Recovering from Religion, and Sunday Assembly. Leslie speaks with Steve about his book, Humanism from the - [Dr. Rodney Schmaltz says Scientific Skepticism can Save Society](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dr-rodney-schmaltz-says-scientific-skepticism-can-save-society/) - Dr. Rodney Schmaltz is a professor in the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University. His research focuses on the psychology of belief, with a particular interest in how people evaluate extraordinary claims. He is committed to helping people develop strong critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the value of scientific evidence in everyday life. - [Could we communicate with aliens if we found them? Daniel Whiteson wants to know.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/could-we-communicate-with-aliens-if-we-found-them-daniel-whiteson-wants-to-know/) - Daniel is a professor of physics at UC Irvine, researching particle physics at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. He is the co-host of the podcast 'Daniel and Kelly's Extraordinary Universe' and the author of several books about physics for a general audience, including "Do Aliens Speak Physics?" And "We have no idea". In today's episode, Daniel - [Matthew McManus on Making Impossible Conversations Possible](https://centreforinquiry.ca/matthew-mcmanus-on-making-impossible-conversations-possible/) - Matthew McManus (@MattPolProf) is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary who discusses conservatism from a progressive standpoint. Matt and Leslie talk about seeking out those who disagree with you while being open to new arguments, evidence, and perspectives. Not everyone is willing to argue in good faith, but fortunately there are "tells" that - [Feminism for Women with Julie Bindel](https://centreforinquiry.ca/feminism-for-women-with-julie-bindel/) - Julie Bindel (@bindelj) is a journalist, writer, broadcaster, and researcher. She joins Podcast for Inquiry to talk about her new book, Feminism for Women. Julie covers previous and current waves of feminism, the lie young women have been fed about feminism, and why she believes marriage can never be a feminist act. Julie and Leslie - [Howard Doughty on Academic Freedom and Post-Secondary Education](https://centreforinquiry.ca/howard-doughty-on-academic-freedom-and-post-secondary-education/) - Howard Doughty has been a college professor for over 40 years and has grave concerns about the changes he's seen in colleges and universities. Howard describes the nature, scope and limitations of academic freedom, and how that has changed over the decades. The increasing corporate influence in universities has in some cases supplanted the original - [William B. Davis: On Acting …and Life](https://centreforinquiry.ca/william-b-davis-on-acting-and-life/) - William Davis is best known as the Cigarette Smoking Man on the popular TV show The X-Files. He is also the founder of The William Davis Centre for Actors' Study and has just published a new book On Acting…and Life. William and Leslie discuss how his presence on The X-Files expanded from the silent portrayal - [Humanist Canada publishes Humanism: Canadian Perspectives](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanist-canada-publishes-humanism-canadian-perspectives/) - Read Humanism: Canadian Perspectives to explore belief through Canadian voices. - [Secularism QuickLinks – January 2026](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-january-2026/) - Religious conspiracies, death for blasphemy, missionary loses religion - [Can Cultural Criticism Come Only From Within? - with Dr. Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson](https://centreforinquiry.ca/can-cultural-criticism-come-only-from-within-with-dr-lloyd-hawkeye-robertson/) - Indigenous scholar Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson (@LloydHawkeye7) and host Leslie Rosenblood discuss the importance of enlightenment values and defending them from attack. Lloyd is the President of the New Enlightenment Project, a Canadian humanist initiative, dedicated to free speech and civilized debate. Leslie and Lloyd discuss: The moral obligation to advocate for change in our culture, - [Against Quebec's Bill 21 with Catherine Francis](https://centreforinquiry.ca/against-quebecs-bill-21-with-catherine-francis/) - Quebec's Bill 21, which prohibits most government employees from wearing religious symbols, has split Canada's secular community. The divide is largely geographic; most secularists within Quebec support Bill 21, while a majority in the rest of Canada oppose it, calling it a political act of discrimination or racism. In this first of a two-part series, - [Caroline Russell-King Argues For Quebec's Bill 21](https://centreforinquiry.ca/caroline-russell-king-argues-for-quebecs-bill-21/) - Host Leslie Rosenblood and Caroline Russell-King (https://carolinerussellking.com/) discuss the secular case for Bill 21, in the second instalment of a two-part series. Caroline describes the harms Bill 21 is intended to mitigate, and whether they justify the nontrivial limitations it places on religious expression. They discuss why Bill 21 has so split the secular community - [The State of Democracy in the World with Mariam Mufti](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-state-of-democracy-in-the-world-with-mariam-mufti/) - Dr. Mariam Mufti is an Associate Professor of political science at the University of Waterloo. She and Leslie discuss the various waves of democracy in the past century, and the backlash to them. They discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and how most democratic countries have united against it (at least so far). They also - [James Turk on Free Expression: A Defense with Limitations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/james-turk-on-free-expression-a-defense-with-limitations/) - James Turk (@jameslturk) is the Director of the Centre for Free Expression at Ryerson University. James and Leslie discuss the importance of free expression in a democratic society, the futility and counterproductive nature of censorship, and what limits on expression are reasonable and justified. They also talk about the "marketplace of ideas" and how it - [Welcome to the Podcast for Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/welcome-to-the-podcast-for-inquiry/) - The Centre for Inquiry Canada is proud to present the Podcast for Inquiry, a series of conversations about science, secularism, critical thinking, and humanism. This teaser includes samples from our first few episodes. Subscribe now and be the first to listen to our premiere episode when it officially launches in January, 2022. https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquiry/ ZYm1YUKtcAzGEHn89RdV fweDE18DIpuVhHRtswJd - [The State of Media & Journalism in Canada with Jonathan Kay](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-state-of-media-journalism-in-canada-with-jonathan-kay/) - Host Leslie Rosenblood and Quillette editor Jonathan Kay (@jonkay) discuss the transformations Canadian media institutions have undergone over the past 20 years. Learn about the impact of the Internet, social media, divisive politics, increasing ownership concentration, legacy and current business models for the industry, and the future of journalism in Canada, especially in light of - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks – January 2026](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-january-2026/) - Folk remedies, consensus, AI vs Human - [Science Quicklinks – January 2026](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-january-2026/) - Frog vs hornet, artificial selection, musical monkeys, vaccines - [Technology and Rural Healthcare in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/technology-and-rural-healthcare-in-canada/) - From small towns to teaching hospitals, technology is reshaping care delivery. - [January 2026 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2026-critical-links/) - January 2026 Critical Links - [Leslie Rosenblood discusses Bill 21 with a secularist supporter](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslie-rosenblood-discusses-bill-21-with-a-secularist-supporter/) - Join CFIC's Leslie Rosenblood and Michel Virard of Association Humaniste du Quebec as they discuss the most divisive secular issue in Canada – Quebec's Bill 21. - [CFIC Town Hall Meeting #9 – “Technological Innovation in the Performing Arts. Who are the Big Winners?”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-town-hall-meeting-9-technological-innovation-in-the-performing-arts-who-are-the-big-winners/) - Technological Innovation in the Performing Arts. Who are the Big Winners? - [Podcast for Inquiry celebrates four incredible years](https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquiry-celebrates-four-incredible-years/) - Four incredible years of asking hard questions and exploring what matters. - [January 2026 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2026-dates-of-interest/) - AIDS Day, Action on Violence Against Women, Human Rights, and Seasonal Songs. - [Keith's Conundrums: Collective Opinions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/collective-opinions/) - What's a collective opinion? - [Fight Chaos 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/centreforinquiry-ca-2025campaign/) - Thank you for considering a gift and for being a part of our community. - [December 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2025-dates-of-interest/) - AIDS Day, Action on Violence Against Women, Human Rights, and Seasonal Songs. - [ Russell Pride 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/russell-pride-2025/) - Richard Thain shares details about the 2025 Russell Pride Flag Raising - [CFIC Town Hall Meeting #8 – “Are we ready for AI?”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/townhall-8-are-we-ready-for-ai/) - Are we ready for AI? - [Grounding as Anti-oxidant?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/grounding-as-anti-oxidant/) - Examining the claim of health benefits of an electrical connection to the earth - [December 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2025-critical-links/) - December 2025 Critical Links - [Volunteer Needed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-needed/) - Ready to help shape CFIC’s future? Your voice and ideas can lead the way. - [Science Quicklinks – December 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-december-2025/) - Shouting at gulls, bees with toys, COVID (still) - [Resources About Global Energy Production](https://centreforinquiry.ca/resources-about-global-energy-production/) - Confused about the future of global energy? Todd DeRyck curates 10 essential books, videos, and documentaries to help you make sense of nuclear power and beyond. - [Christmyth Social](https://centreforinquiry.ca/christmyth-social/) - If holiday celebrations leave you feeling blue, please join friends across Canada for the CFI Canada’s Christmyth Social. - [Protecting Blasphemers VII](https://centreforinquiry.ca/protecting-blasphemers-vii/) - Protecting Blasphemers is an annual discussion highlighting the most recent blasphemy issues of the year. - [Secularism QuickLinks – December 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-december-2025/) - Religious property tax exemptions in BC, laïcité in Quebec, reproductive rights in Canada, same sex marriage in US - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks – December 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-december-2025/) - Tool-using wolves, Meta profits from scams, ethics of mind-reading - [End of Life Choices Survey](https://centreforinquiry.ca/end-of-life-choices-survey/) - What kinds of care and support do you believe help people at the end of life? - [Update on Omer – December 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-december-2025/) - With Nepal blocking his exit, Omer’s health declines - [Keith's Conundrums: The Large and the Small](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-large-and-the-small/) - Keith is back for December with a "small" conundrum. - [Merry NewtonMass](https://centreforinquiry.ca/merry-newtonmass/) - On this day, a baby was born who would grow up to change the course of human history - [November 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2025-critical-links/) - Cyber-security, Remembrance Day, and Cardus - [CFIC Town Hall Meeting #7 – Are the New Ways We Communicate and Share Information, Changing Us, Our Society, Our Human Civilization?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/townhall-7-communication-intelligence-or-cooperation/) - Town Hall: November 16, 2025, 8pm EDT Yuval Harari argues that Homo Sapiens' biggest advantage is not our brain power but the fact that we know how to cooperate on a large scale. Language and sharing of information, data, and experiences are, of course, critical prerequisites for cooperation. In the next Town-Hall meeting we will discuss the impact - [The Renewable Energy Honeymoon: Starting is Easy, The Rest is Hard](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-renewable-energy-honeymoon/) - [Research before you Research - Predatory Journals](https://centreforinquiry.ca/research-before-you-research-predatory-journals/) - [This article initially appeared in the March 2018 edition of Critical Links, and is updated here with corrections and additional information.] Committed skeptics are often in the habit of viewing the content of Facebook pages and Internet publications with a solid level of skepticism, and many us have become practiced at detecting obviously bogus news - [Review of Cardus webinar on Christianity and pluralism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/review-of-cardus-webinar-on-christianity-and-pluralism/) - Can Christians Fully Participate in 21st Century Pluralism? Find out what this religious think-tank thinks. - [Want to support CFIC but hate PayPal?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/want-to-support-cfic-but-hate-paypal/) - Alternatives to PayPal for people who like our cause but want to give in their own way. - [SOFREE's Humanism In Action conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sofrees-humanism-in-action-conference/) - Humanism in Action II, 22 November 2025 - [Towards a new Remembrance Day](https://centreforinquiry.ca/towards-a-new-remembrance-day/) - The true history of Remembrance Day and the 2018 pitch to change it, and today’s pitch to make it more inclusive - [Secularism QuickLinks — November 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-november-2025/) - Defending abortion in BC, Islam marginalizes women, threats of theocracy in US - [ Science Quicklinks – November 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-november-2025/) - Farewell to Jane Goodall, measles, meat vs. climate, earth and space - [Google search? Scroll before you click](https://centreforinquiry.ca/google-search/) - Why you need to take care when searching online. - [Update on Omer November 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-november-2025/) - Some good news - SJTD issued - now waiting on exit visa - [November 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2025-dates-of-interest/) - November 6 is UNESCO's International day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying November 9 is Sagan Day, celebrating the 91st anniversary of the birth of Carl Sagan. Many of our readers are familiar with Sagan’s Demon-Haunted World, co-written with his spouse Ann Druyan, published in 1995 (a year before his untimely death). A - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — November 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-november-2025/) - Vaccine campaigns, AI overlooks retractions, gender bias in science reporting, poetry vs philosophy, Peterson as messiah - [Two critical factors renewable energy analysts don't account for: global energy poverty and power engineering](https://centreforinquiry.ca/renewable_energy_challenges/) - Renewable energy analysts ignore global energy poverty and power engineering. - [Energy, Prosperity and Geopolitics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/energy-prosperity-and-geopolitics/) - A free webinar looking at emissions, energy, and solutions globally presented by Todd De Ryck. REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND THIS ZOOM MEETING How much energy do we consume globally today? What are the primary sources of energy? Are we using enough energy? Can we migrate to primarily low emissions sources of energy? Which are the - [Chasing the Wind - The value of wind generation in a low-emission nuclear and hydro-dominated grid: the case of Ontario](https://centreforinquiry.ca/chasing-the-wind/) - Is wind generation the answer? Find out what the science says. - [CFIC Town Hall #6: Are We Captive to Group Ideologies?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-town-hall-6-are-we-captive-to-group-ideologies/) - CFIC Town Hall 3: Attention Crisis - [Cyber-Security Awareness](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cyber-security-awareness/) - Does the Internet make you nervous? (It should) Register for this free workshop. - [October 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Women, geodiversisty, ENIAC. - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — October 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-october-2025/) - AI Red Lines, threat of anti-science, higher education vs critical thinking. - [Secularism QuickLinks — October 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-october-2025/) - Prison for t-shirt, death for WhatsApp message, fighting Ten Commandments laws, “spiritual but not religious” - [Science QuickLinks — October 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-october-2025/) - Ig Nobel prizes, keto diets, human vs chimp genomes - [Keith's Conundrums: "Super" AI](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-super/) - What do we mean by "super"? - [Critical Links March 2018](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-march-2018/) - How to evaluate the quality of information - [Veganism, Animal Activism, and Duck Hunting](https://centreforinquiry.ca/veganism-animal-activism-and-duck-hunting/) - Geoffrey Russell helps us to understand animals, food, energy, and climate, using mathematics, evidence, and rational thinking - [Writers Welcome:](https://centreforinquiry.ca/writers-welcome/) - Share your news, views, and expertise - [September 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2025-critical-links/) - News, Events, Opinions - [Update on Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-october-2025/) - Unrest in Nepal has settled, but still we wait - [Why I Support Nuclear Power Generation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/why-i-support-nuclear-power-generation/) - How a visit to a third world country confirmed what I’m learning about nuclear power. - [BCHA and Canadian Secular Alliance submit their brief on Quebec's Bill 21 to the Supreme Court of Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bcha-and-canadian-secular-alliance-submit-their-brief-on-quebecs-bill-21-to-the-supreme-court-of-canada/) - Here’s what humanist groups told the Supreme Court of Canada about Bill 21 - [October 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2025-critical-links/) - More on nuclear and Bill 21 and lots of events - [Why Changing your Mind Makes you Smart and Capable](https://centreforinquiry.ca/why-changing-your-mind-makes-you-smart-and-capable/) - To be an effective critical thinker, one must listen to contrary arguments and evaluate them thoroughly, being open to the possibility that these new arguments may change one’s perspective. - [Can Christians Participate Fully in the 21st Century?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/can-christians-participate-fully/) - Why you should attend and why you should care Leslie Rosenblood On September 9 at 3:30 PM ET, Cardus will present a webinar: “Can Christians participate fully in 21st-century western pluralism?” If you're not familiar with Cardus, it's probably worthwhile to gain at least a passing familiarity with the organization. In many ways, the folks - [Rocket Science – Space Edition](https://centreforinquiry.ca/rocket-science-space-edition-vancouver/) - A fun, adults only joint CFIC Vancouver and SETI Institute event at Science World - [CFIC Town Hall #5: How is AI changing our society?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-town-hall-5-how-is-ai-changing-our-society/) - CFIC Town Hall 3: Attention Crisis - [September 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Equinox, peace, reconciliation, and fractals - [Update on Omer - What happens next?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-what-happens-next/) - We are following Omer’s last weeks in Nepal and looking forward to his arrival in Canada - [Keith's Conundrums: General Intelligence](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-general-intelligence/) - What kinds of Nothing are there? - [CSA and BCHA headed to Supreme Court for Quebec's Bill 21](https://centreforinquiry.ca/csa-and-bcha-headed-to-supreme-court-for-quebecs-bill-21/) - Atheists/Humanists contribute a unique perspective - [Science QuickLinks — September 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-september-2025/) - Science vs politics, space, chocolate, sea ice - [Secularism QuickLinks — September 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-september-2025/) - discrimination against LGBTQ, women challenging Islamic law, charlatan “faith healer” - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — September 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-september-2025/) - Enlightenment, misinformation, rationalist cults - [What Do We Actually Know?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-do-we-actually-know/) - Based on the things we know for sure, you should live life boldly and without fear. - [Religion in the Canadian Armed Forces - Change is happening…slowly](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religion-in-the-canadian-armed-forces-change-is-happeningslowly/) - Find out about the CAF’s slow march towards secularism. - [Update on Omer - August 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-august-2025/) - Good news at last! - [Administrative Volunteer Needed:](https://centreforinquiry.ca/administrative-volunteer-needed/) - Be a part of making CFIC work. - [Keith's Conundrums: Much to do about Nothing](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-august-2025/) - What kinds of Nothing are there? - [August 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Remembering the end of enslavement, working for an end to nuclear testing - [Science QuickLinks — August 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-august-2025/) - Measles, women’s health research, space, flying dinos, and bacteria - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — August 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-august-2025/) - AGI, robot profanity, sex vs math, posthumous advice from Sagan and Dennett - [August 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2025-critical-links/) - Taxpayer-Funded Prayers, Undoing What We “Know” About Nuclear – July 2025 - [Secularism QuickLinks — August 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-august-2025/) - Pride, blasphemy, theocracy, and abortion rights - [Onward Christian Soldiers: Military continues to ignore the Supreme Court, ten years after Saguenay.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/onward-christian-soldiers/) - Religion continues to be ubiquitous and compulsory in Canada's military - [Cost of Religion in Canada — 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cost-of-religion-in-canada-2021/) - The right to be religious is a personal freedom we enjoy in Canada. However, Canadian taxpayers, as citizens of all faiths and citizens of no faith, should not be subsidizing the advancement of religion through tax exemptions. The right to be religious in Canada is important (freedom of religion). The need to retain Canada’s strength - [CFIC Town Hall #3: The Attention Crisis in the Digital Generation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-town-hall-3-attention-crisis/) - CFIC Town Hall 3: Attention Crisis - [CFIC Town Hall #2: Practical Epistemology](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-town-hall-2-practical-epistemology/) - CFIC Town Hall 2: Practical Epistemology - [CFIC hosts Town Hall Meetings](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-hosts-town-hall-meetings/) - CFIC is launching a series of town hall gatherings - [June 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2025-critical-links/) - Nuclear Power, Canadian IT and more - Critical Links – June 2025 - [The Knobe Lie](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-knobe-lie/) - Karolina Sygula The Knobe Effect, named after experimental philosopher Joshua Knobe, purports to show that when actions have negative side effects, people view these side effects as intentional, whereas if the side effects are positive, they are viewed as unintentional. For example, when a profit-seeking action is taken that has side effects that harm the - [The Linear No Threshold (LNT) Report](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-linear-no-threshold-report/) - How bad science made the world afraid of nuclear power - [Update on Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer/) - Cautious optimism that Omer might be on the final leg of this journey. - [Help Improve Critical Thinking in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/help-improve-critical-thinking-in-canada/) - Secular groups are working together to promote critical thinking across Canada - [July 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2025-critical-links/) - Taxpayer-Funded Prayers, Undoing What We “Know” About Nuclear – July 2025 - [Critical Links now Using Canadian Software](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-now-using-canadian-software/) - Sandra Dunham Do you notice any difference with this month’s Critical Links newsletter? As promised, CFIC is seeking Canadian alternatives to US software. This month’s Critical Links has been produced using Envoke, a Canadian email management program. So far, we are delighted with this change which keeps our data in Canada, seems to have the - [Volunteer needed - Human Rights advisor](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-needed-human-rights-advisor/) - CFIC is seeking a volunteer with a strong human rights background. - [The Lighthouse: A Beacon of Refuge for Persecuted Atheists and Freethinkers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-lighthouse-turkey/) - ARAP: providing sanctuary for unbelievers risking imprisonment, violence, and death - [How does CFIC decide on campaigns?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-does-cfic-decide-on-campaigns/) - CFIC chooses campaigns based on our members' knowledge and willingness to share it. - [BAHACon 2025: August 8-10, Sarnia, ON](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bahacon-2025-august-8-10-sarnia-on/) - BAHACon 2025 Aug 8-10 - [Keith's Conundrums: More Idealizations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/more-idealizations/) - Keith Douglas Recap and Response Alex and Steve answered last month’s column. Thanks to them and any readers who did not write. Alex tells us that AI understanding of psychology is hard. This is correct, and likely involves tacit knowledge; in fact this was the basis of the Dreyfusian critique way back when. Steve has - [Secularism QuickLinks — June 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-july-2025/) - Pride, blasphemy, theocracy, and abortion rights - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — July 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-july-2025/) - AGI, robot profanity, sex vs math, posthumous advice from Sagan and Dennett - [Science QuickLinks — July 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-july-2025/) - Measles, women’s health research, space, flying dinos, and bacteria - [July 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Lunar anniversary, standing against human trafficking, Scopes centenary, and chocolate - [Keith's Conundrums: Idealizations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-idealizations/) - Recap Alex responded with a few answers to my probability related puzzles. I will make comments on a few of them myself before moving on to a topic very dear to me, though this will likely only come out as I put these last two topics together in a future (possibly the next) column. #3 - [Use Science, not Emotion, to Drive Climate Solutions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/use-science-not-emotion-to-drive-climate-change/) - How do Canada’s top scientists react when challenged about the benefits of nuclear energy? - [Bill 21 Heading to the Supreme Court of Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bill-21-heading-to-the-supreme-court-of-canada/) - Secular humanist organizations jointly apply for intervener status at the Supreme Court hearing of Bill 21 - [Humanists Online Vancouver](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanists-online-vancouver/) - We are Humanists Online Vancouver (HOV), and we meet every Sunday morning at 10 am, Pacific time. We became a chapter of Humanist Canada about a year ago. We present and then vote in topics right there in the meeting and we always welcome any newcomers. Here is our link… https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3546290665?pwd=NTFsNVJJTVJ1ajR4cTJrck4wWnNGQT09 Meeting ID: 354 629 0665 - [CFIC Online Secular Chat](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-online-secular-chat/) - CFIC Secular Chat: weekly online discussion - [Technology – Working to Keep Canadian Data in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/technology-working-to-keep-canadian-data-in-canada/) - How do Canada’s top scientists react when challenged about the benefits of nuclear energy? - [June 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Summer solstice, indigenous history, 100 years of TV - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — June 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-june-2025/) - Math, misinformation, transhumanism - [Secularism QuickLinks — June 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-june-2025/) - Theocratic challenges in the US and Sudan - [Science QuickLinks — June 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-june-2025/) - Measles, women’s health research, space, flying dinos, and bacteria - [CFIC Represented at Humanist Conferences](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-represented-at-humanist-conferences/) - CFIC’s Leslie Rosenblood has been making the rounds at some of Canada’s humanist conferences. - [We're not Just Building Chapters, We're Building Leaders](https://centreforinquiry.ca/building-chapters-building-leaders/) - Responding to the pressing need for communities grounded in science, reason, and secular values - [Bring Critical Thinking and Humanist Values to Your Community — Start a CFIC Group](https://centreforinquiry.ca/start-a-local-cfic-group/) - Does your community need more Critical Thinking, Secular Values, and Scientific Knowledge? - [May 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2025-critical-links/) - Critical Links for May 2025: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Update on Omer — May 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-may-2025/) - Progress on Omer’s case remains slow. We continue to appreciate the generosity of all our donors - [Being a member of CFIC and effecting Real Change](https://centreforinquiry.ca/being-a-member-of-cfic-and-effecting-real-change/) - Why be concerned about outdated laws? - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — May 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-may-2025/) - Cars, trolleys, journals, and being polite to AIs - [Science QuickLinks — May 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-may-2025/) - Poisoning mosquitoes with blood, earthquakes, concrete, mind-body connections, alien life? - [Secularism QuickLinks — May 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-may-2025/) - Theocracy in Pakistan, faith-healing conviction, impending theocracy in the US - [Leadership Volunteers Needed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leadership-volunteers-needed/) - CFIC is looking for capable, independent self-starters who support our mission, vision, and values. - [This Life: My Eureka Moment](https://centreforinquiry.ca/this-life-my-eureka-moment/) - Physics vs magic - [Promising research on nuclear reactors](https://centreforinquiry.ca/promising-research-on-nuclear-reactors/) - The future of nuclear microreactors - [Elections and democracy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/elections-and-democracy/) - Evaluate, vote and resist the urge to become more partisan - [ Conundrums: Probably](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-probably/) - Last time … … I wrote of titles. Alex B. in his reply reinforces the religious nature of hockey in Quebec. A puzzle for another time, though I am reminded of what Uli Locher at McGill said in his sociology of religion class - he wasn't going to define religion except by self-description by participants. - [The Stick In My Eye](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-stick-in-my-eye/) - Examining "conventional wisdom" about religious indoctrination. - [Thank you and farewell to Critical Links Editor Edan Tasca](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thanks-and-farewell-edan-tasca/) - Thanks and farewell to Critical Links editor Edan Tasca - [April 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2025-critical-links/) - Critical Links for March 2025: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [May 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Biological diversity, sex and gender diversity, mental health, peacekeeping, and more - [Are radiation protection standards scientific, or based on assumptions, or.…?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/are-radiation-protections-standards-scientific/) - Should radiation protection standards be re-examined? - [April 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2025-dates/) - April Fools' Day, Health Day, Space Day, and Spring Equinox. - [Want to be More Financially Secure, Happier, and Healthier?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-weekish-2025/) - Forget the snake oil, the pyramid schemes, and chakras, CFIC brings you the key to wealth, happiness, and health with one (not-so-simple) idea -- Critical Thinking. Follow us for the next week(ish) for some ideas on how to improve your critical thinking skills. - [Were You Fooled on April Fools' Day?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/were-you-fooled/) - Don't get fooled next time! - [March 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2025-critical-links/) - Critical Links for March 2025: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [The Gish Gallop](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-gish-gallop/) - Fabrications can move faster than truth and logic - [The Politics of Secular Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-revisited-the-politics-of-secular-science/) - Critical thinking: Holding reason, objectivity, and facts above emotion, subjectivity, and values. - [Examining that 51st State Proposal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/examining-that-51st-state-proposal/) - Dark times may get darker but Canadians are keeping their elbows up. - [Keith's Conundrums: What is the Title of this Post?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-what-is-the-title-of-this-post/) - Recap Last time I honoured the life and friendship of a good friend. “Semper fi” Alex responded to this column by also honouring. Thank you, Alex, for your continued participation. (For those who look up or know the meaning of the Latin – this is a joke. 😊) What’s on for this month? I started - [Evidence of No Gods](https://centreforinquiry.ca/evidence-of-no-gods/) - Suspension of disbelief: Why humans have faith, and enjoy fiction - [Spirituality is an Emotion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/spirituality-is-an-emotion/) - When bowdlerised, a good word like 'spirit' dies. - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — April 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-april-2025/) - Dealing with information overload, confirmation bias, critical thinking pedagogy - [Secularism QuickLinks — April 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-april-2025/) - Secular wins in BC and MB, amid the threat of increasing theocratic encroachment around the world. - [Science QuickLinks — April 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-april-2025/) - COVID (still), anti-vaxxers (still), astrophysics, and particle physics - [Secularism QuickLinks — March 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-march-2025/) - Public prayers and religious headgear - [CFIC Annual Report 2023-2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-annual-report-2023-2024/) - Looking back on the year from October 2023 to September 2024. - [A Framework for Critical Thinking?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-framework-for-critical-thinking/) - Ask questions, look for information, create a hypothesis, draw conclusions, repeat. - [Who Can You Trust?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-can-you-trust/) - Check the qualifications of experts and trust what the good ones tell you. - [Recognizing Cognitive Biases](https://centreforinquiry.ca/recognizing-cognitive-biases/) - Sometimes our values are particularly damaging. We begin to hear only the ideas that match our preconceived ideas and are unable to hear or interpret anything that is contrary. - [How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-to-disagree-without-being-disagreeable/) - The humility in seeing the validity of diverse conclusions is the key to a more civil and democratic society. - [The 10-Day Week](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-10-day-week/) - Examining underlying assumptions is a crucial component of critical thinking. What is a week, anyway? - [Wrapping up Critical Thinking Week 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/wrapping-up-critical-thinking-week-2025/) - Critical Thinking really is the “one-size fits all” solution to many of the world’s problems. - [Statistics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/statistics/) - The decision-affecting power of a statistic can be equally strong whether it is true or false. - [Superstitions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/superstitions/) - Believing in superstition gives the illusion of control in a world where very little is controllable. - [CFIC Annual General Meeting (March 9th 2025)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-agm-2023-2024/) - CFIC AGM - [Empirical Senses](https://centreforinquiry.ca/empirical-senses/) - Untangling misunderstandings about the meaning of the word “empirical”. - [2025 AGM](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2025-agm/) - 2024 AGM documents - [A Trans Woman Debunks Anti-Trans Rhetoric](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-trans-woman-debunks-anti-trans-rhetoric/) - challenging misconceptions to set the record straight. - [February 2025 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2025-critical-links/) - Critical Links for February 2025: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — March 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-march-2025/) - AI mistakes, human mistakes, non-humans with theory of mind - [Religious Neutrality Day 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religious-neutrality-day-2025/) - On April 15th, 2025, help us champion a cause that reflects our shared humanist values! - [What Creates the Release of Hormones](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-creates-the-release-of-hormones/) - Explaining the natural process of hormone release. - [March 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2025-dates-of-interest/) - International Women's Day, Math Day, Transgender Day, and Spring Equinox. - [Science QuickLinks — March 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-march-2025/) - Asteroid (probably) won't hit us, helpful drugs, harmful plastics, chemicals all around us - [#FillYourLife Conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fillyourlife-conference-2025/) - Check out the speakers for the upcoming OHS #FillYourLife Conference, including our own Leslie Rosenblood. - [Conundrums - Riffing in memory of a friend](https://centreforinquiry.ca/conundrums-riffing-in-memory-of-a-friend/) - Responses to last month, and philosophical memories of a friend - [Keith’s Conundrums: And Now?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-semantics-and-epistemology-of-and/) - Semantics and Epistemology of “and” - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — February 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-february-2025/) - Peter Principle endures, zombie facts, research credibility, psychics, "wellness" - [February 2025 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2025-dates-of-interest/) - Charles Darwin's 216th Birthday, Freedom to Read, Black History, Psychology, and Social Justice. - [Secularism QuickLinks — February 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-february-2025/) - Outspoken atheists: killed in Sweden and still under threat in Nigeria; child marriage in Iraq; Nazi monuments in Canada - [Science QuickLinks — February 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-february-2025/) - AGW, bird flu and COVID, research, animal behaviour - [Critical Thinking: The Rope That Binds CFIC’s Mission Together](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-critical-thinking-2024/) - Critical Thinking: The rope that binds CFIC’s mission together. Critical thinking means making decisions based on what one knows, rather than what one believes. - [Stop Religious Extremism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-secularism-2024/) - Concerned about the rising tide of religious extremism? Worried about the increasing religious influence over government policy? Anxious about faith-based wars around the globe? Help CFIC defend secularism. - [Farewell to Kevin Brown](https://centreforinquiry.ca/farewell-to-kevin-brown/) - Seanna Watson "On December 31, 2024, a gentle heart and a brilliant mind departed from our world after a courageous battle with cancer." I will always remember Kevin Brown as brilliant, funny, and kind. Kevin was a fixture in the skeptic/humanist community in Ottawa, for more than 15 years. He was knowledgeable in an astonishing - [We Have Ways of Making You Pray](https://centreforinquiry.ca/we-have-ways-to-make-you-pray/) - Tony Keene As you go through the enrollment process, your employer demands to know your religion, which is then stamped on a metal badge. You are told you must wear this badge around your neck when you are on the job. Your supervisor can go to your file at any time and find out what religion - [House of Commons Recommends Ending Religious Privilege ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/house-of-commons-recommends-ending-religious-privilege/) - Leslie Rosenblood If the primary purpose of your organization is "advancement of religion," and all your group does is proselytize, it is eligible for charitable status in Canada. Centre for Inquiry Canada documented that this single policy choice costs Canadians over $3.2 billion every year in its Cost of Religion in Canada reports. Every year, the House of Commons Standing Committee - [Podcast for Inquiry's Amazing Third Year](https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquirys-amazing-third-year/) - Podcast for Inquiry's third year may have been its best yet, with twenty-four regular episodes, one bonus episode, and one of Leslie's diatribes. Episodes covered a wide range of topics. Some of my favourites from 2024 can be grouped into four categories: Philosophy: Podcast for Inquiry kicked off 2024 with a thoughtful and insightful conversation with - [Be a Part of CFIC's Future!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/be-a-part-of-cfics-future/) - CFIC has many projects underway to promote reason, compassion, and secular values in Canada - [Contribute to a More Secular Canada ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/contribute-to-a-more-secular-canada/) - Change takes time, but it does happen. - [Loss of Religion in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/loss-of-religion-in-canada/) - Canadian society is in a rapid transition into a secular state. - [CFIC Advocates for Good Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-science-2024/) - Support CFIC's work to promote scientific literacy, advocate for good public health information, and counter the rising tide of pseudoscience. - [Humanist Winter Celebrations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanist-winter-celebrations/) - How do you celebrate winter holidays - [CFIC helps protect secular human rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-human-rights-2024/) - Support CFIC's work to help apostates, blasphemers, and secularists - [Protecting Blasphemers: 2024 Panel Discussion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/protecting-blasphemers-2024-panel-discussion/) - Protecting Blasphemers tackles the pressing blasphemy-related issues of the year - [Today is Giving Tuesday](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-2023-x/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [Today is Giving Tuesday](https://centreforinquiry.ca/giving-tuesday-2024/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [Today is Giving Tuesday](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-2023-a/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [December 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for December 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Keith’s Conundrums: Semantics and Epistemology of “Or.”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-semantics-and-epistemology-of-or/) - Semantics and Epistemology of “or” - [Human Rights News Updates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dec2024-human-rights-news/) - Update on Omer and other news from CFIC's Human Rights Chair - [Democracy: Does it Need Salvation?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/democracy-does-it-need-salvation/) - Sandra Dunham I’m sure many readers are pondering this question. The truth is, we won’t know for several years whether the impact of the U.S. election will have lasting effects on democracy in that nation and around the world. However, even before Trump was elected for a second time, I have often asked myself “Is - [Science QuickLinks — December 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-december-2024/) - AGW, bird flu, research, animal behaviour - [Secularism QuickLinks — December 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-december-2024/) - Worsening restrictions on women in Afghanistan, blasphemy vs human rights in Pakistan, religious authoritarianism in the US - [CFIC Launching our Annual Appeal December 3 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-launching-our-annual-appeal-december-3-2024/) - Each year, beginning on Giving Tuesday, CFIC launches its annual appeal for funds. While this year’s appeal will run approximately the same course as it has in previous years, the need for support has never been greater. The political tide has turned. Around the world, right-wing governments, often backed by fundamental religious groups, are being - [December 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2024-dates/) - Winter solstice, activism against gender violence, AIDS day, meteors, Hubble and FORTRAN - [Leslie Rosenblood Speaks About Activism, Secularism, and his Journey to Humanism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/leslie-rosenblood-speaks-about-activism-secularism-and-his-journey-to-humanism/) - Leslie Rosenblood is a guest on the Apostate Sisters podcast - [Importing Political Toxicity](https://centreforinquiry.ca/importing-political-toxicity/) - Growing numbers of Canadians appear vulnerable to the sentiments that now define political division in the USA - [We Did It! Thank You!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/we-did-it-thank-you/) - Best wishes for 2024! Thank you to everyone who donated to our year-end campaign! You have helped us exceed our lofty goal of $30,000! This will allow us to carry on promoting science, secularism, and critical thinking in 2024. While the change in year is simply the turning of a page on a calendar, it - [Secular Pastors Research Project: Request for Proposals](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-pastors-research-project-request-for-proposals/) - CFIC has recieved a very generous donation for the purpose of researching the needs of non-religious prisoners in Canada's Criminal Justice System. We are looking for proposals from qualified individuals to conduct this research. Please share our Request for Proposals as broadly as possible. We will be excited to share the results with our readers. - [Ten Logical Fallacies: A Song for the Season](https://centreforinquiry.ca/song-10-logical-fallacies/) - Spice up your holiday gatherings with a song about critical thinking - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — December 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-december-2024/) - Resisting misinformation, old false news, un-wellness, book bans, brain damage linked to fundamentalis - [Secularism QuickLinks — November 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-november-2024/) - Worsening restrictions on women in Afghanistan, blasphemy vs human rights in Pakistan, religious authoritarianism in the US - [Keith's Conundrums: Semantics and Epistemology of “if”.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-semantics-and-epistemology-of-if/) - Semantics and Epistemology of “if” - [September 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for September 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Critical Thinking Quotes](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quotes/) - “Those that do not check their quotations are doomed to lose credibility.” —Socrates (?) Diane Bruce On a daily basis on social media I see people ascribing quotations to people that the person in question never said. I am sure it is done in an attempt to bolster their feelings on the matter. “If someone - [Renton Patterson Daniel Hill Award Nomination](https://centreforinquiry.ca/renton-patterson-daniel-hill-award-nomination/) - For the past 40 years, Renton Patterson has worked tirelessly to change the province of Ontario’s discriminatory practice of financially supporting a school system for people of the Catholic faith. Over these years Patterson compiled extensive information about the effects of funding Catholic School boards, including the social, financial, and human rights costs, and founded - [Update on Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-september-2024/) - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has re-engaged; hoping for a quick resolution - [Renton Patterson and CRIPE Nominated for Human Rights Award](https://centreforinquiry.ca/renton-patterson-and-cripe/) - Congratulations to Renton Patterson, on his nomination for the Daniel G. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award for his part in the fight to eliminate the discriminatory funding of the Catholic School System. We look forward to continuing Renton’s work. We wish that he could have experienced the satisfaction of accomplishing this critical goal while he led - [October 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for October 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Believe Half of What You See and None of What You Hear](https://centreforinquiry.ca/believe-half-of-what-you-see-and-none-of-what-you-hear/) - Recognizing fakes and scams - [Help Make CFIC's Critical Thinking Library a Reality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/help-make-cfics-critical-thinking-library-a-reality/) - help with CFIC's Critical Thinking Library - [Democracy is Never Not in Peril](https://centreforinquiry.ca/democracy-is-never-not-in-peril/) - Plato vs Popper on democracy - [Threats to Secularism in Alberta](https://centreforinquiry.ca/threats-to-secularism-in-alberta/) - Recent failures of public secularism in Alberta - [November 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2024-dates/) - Solar activity, Darwin, cost of war - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — November 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-november-2024/) - Conspiracies, ghosts, AI, snake oil - [Science QuickLinks — November 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-november-2024/) - Environmental crises, cats, microbes, space, mpox, malaria, and COVID - [Religion in the Calgary Police Service: Update](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religion-in-the-calgary-police-service-update/) - Recent developments in the case against Calgary Police Service - [November 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for November 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Secularism QuickLinks — October 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-october-2024/) - Canadian postal workers can refuse to deliver abortion flyers, increasing restrictions on women in Afghanistan, Turkey vs secularism, accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan and Bangladesh - [Christianity Embedded in Calgary Police Service](https://centreforinquiry.ca/christianity-embedded-in-calgary-police/) - Are you (or do you know) an Alberta lawyer with Human Rights experience? - [Calgary Police Provide Honour Guard at Prayer Breakfast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/calgary-police-provide-honour-guard-at-prayer-breakfast/) - Leslie Rosenblood You might recall "Bob," the Calgary Police Service (CPS) sergeant who has had his complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission officially recognized (see the June and August Critical Links). While we wait for his case to be heard, CFIC learned from Global News that "On Oct. 19, members of the [Calgary Police Service] honour guard escorted - [Keith's Conundrums: More on Explanations and Excuses](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-more-on-explanations-and-excuses/) - Keith Douglas Happy new year everyone! I hope everyone can find a time to be happy this year, at some point. Last time, I began the topic of explanation vs. excuse. I do not have an explanation for why I received no comments, but that’s what happened. More on Explanations and Excuses This time I - [Keith’s Conundrums: Childlike Conundrums](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-childhood-like-conundrums/) - Keith Douglas Last month, I wrote a second column on explanations vs. excuses. Alex riffed on this theme by apologizing for not commenting on the first of these, saying he had no excuses or explanations. I’ll ignore the question about mansplaining, which I must say I don’t understand. This allows me to point out something - [Keith's Conundrums: The Metaphysics of Counting](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-the-metaphysics-of-counting/) - the metaphysics of counting - [Keith's Conundrums: AI vs Rationality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-ai-vs-rationality/) - AI vs rationality - [Words, Words, Words](https://centreforinquiry.ca/words-words-words/) - considering words and their meanings - [Scientific American Endorsement](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sciam-endorsement/) - Russell Pangborn In 2020 I wrote an article on a historic decision by Scientific American to endorse a Presidential candidate. It took a lot for an organization that wanted to stay above politics to make this leap. But they judged it was too dangerous not to. So they endorsed Donald Trump's rival. In 2024 Scientific - [The Origin of Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-origin-of-religion/) - How, when, and why did humans invent religion? - [Science QuickLinks — October 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-october-2024/) - Looking inside the earth, robot mushrooms, bird flu, and COVID - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — October 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-october-2024/) - AI, pseudoscience, and conspiracies - [October 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2024-dates/) - Celebrating seniors, girls, space, and handwashing. - [Inaugural Humanist conference in Waterloo, ON: Saturday, November 16, 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inaugural-humanist-conference-in-waterloo-on-saturday-november-16-2024/) - Humanist conference in Waterloo, ON: Saturday, November 16, 2024 - [Join a Great Team: Volunteer with CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-a-great-team-volunteer-with-cfic/) - Have you ever thought about being a CFIC volunteer? - [September 2021 Critical Links Posts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2021-critical-links-posts/) - Read all the articles from the August 2021 issue of Critical Links: Update From Omer (September 2021) CFIC in the Media (September 2021) Volunteer Opportunities: Calgary, Victoria, Toronto Seneca College Shows Leadership in Defeating Covid Philippines and Golden Rice A Quick Update on Afghanistan Religious Groups Should Not Get Special Treatment Election Call. Get in - [Humanists Must Rally Around Afghanistan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanists-must-rally-around-afghanistan/) - Describing ways in which humanists can help the people of Afghanistan - [CFI Calgary - Faith on the Plate 2.0 - Dr. Camille D. Ryan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-calgary-faith-on-the-plate-2-0-dr-camille-d-ryan/) - Date: Thursday, October 20th from 7:30-9:00pm Location: Mount Royal University, Room EA 1024 (Faculty of Arts) The facts and fiction of food production in an information-rich world. A skeptic’s guide to the hype around the science of agriculture and food. What does “organic” mean? Are GM foods “dangerous”? What are the facts of agriculture and - [Skeptics Conference, Calgary, May 5 to 6](https://centreforinquiry.ca/skeptics-conference-calgary-may-5-6-2023/) - The Rocky Mountain Atheists are proud to sponsor the WeCanReason (Western Canadian Reason) conference - [CFI Billboard Campaign Reaches Calgary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/httpcentreforinquiry-cap3642/) - CFI Calgary was proud to put up their first Billboard on January 31. 2014. The Media Coverage was mostly positive and the Billboard has been responsible for general CFI Calgary awareness and in the recruitment of new members. Would you like to support CFI Calgary? - [CFI Calgary Statement Re: Calgary Doctor Refuses to Prescribe Birth Control](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-calgary-statement-re-calgary-doctor-refuses-to-prescribe-birth-control/) - Medicine and Health is one of three broad areas of education and activism that Centre for Inquiry Calgary focuses on. The issue regarding Dr. Chantal Barry of Westglen Medical Centre, and her refusal to prescribe contraceptives based on religious beliefs is of great concern to us and Calgarians. Public polls on this issue through the - [July-August 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-august-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for July and August 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Proud in Russell Township](https://centreforinquiry.ca/proud-in-russell-township/) - Celebrating Pride in small-town Eastern Ontario. - [The Four Horsemen](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-four-horsemen/) - Why then? Why them? What now? - [Raising Our Flag](https://centreforinquiry.ca/raising-our-flag/) - Highlighting the importance of the queer community - [When You Should Use It: An Open Letter to the Homeopathy Community](https://centreforinquiry.ca/when-you-should-use-homeopathy/) - A suggestion about when it is appropriate to use homeopathy - [Money is Finite](https://centreforinquiry.ca/money-is-finite/) - Illustrating the financial costs of religious privilege - [Seth Andrews vs. God: Who is the Better Designer?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/seth-andrews-vs-god/) - The Great Intelligent Designer Smackdown comes to Toronto - [Science QuickLinks — September 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-september-2024/) - Moon rocks fetched, Vulcan not found, battling viruses, AI power consumption - [Secularism QuickLinks — September 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-september-2024/) - Sikh Court, Papal homophobia, 10 Commandments, Taliban vs women - [Keith's Conundrums: Reconstruct a Message](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-a-puzzle-with-a-message/) - using clues to decode a message - [September 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for September 2024 - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — September 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-september-2024/) - Pseudoscience, (lack of) Education, LLMs vs AGI, and Chomsky is still alive - [Workplace Giving: Consider CFIC This Fall](https://centreforinquiry.ca/consider-us-this-fall/) - Consider CFIC for your fall workplace donation - [Small Steps Toward Truth](https://centreforinquiry.ca/small-steps-toward-truth/) - Sandra Dunham What follows is a brief coffee conversation I had recently. Them: “Poor Joe Biden has no idea what he’s doing anymore. He just boarded a plane he had just gotten off of.” Me: “Oh no. Imagine he’s running the country. WAIT. Where did you hear this? It wasn’t Twitter was it?” Them: “Yes, - [Death and …](https://centreforinquiry.ca/death-and/) - Russell Pangborn Benjamin Franklin after participating in the formulation of the U.S. constitution had great hope for its permanency. But he worried about times like the 2020 and now the 2024 American election where the document was in danger of being dislodged by an autocrat. Reflecting on the survival of these codified fundamental principals through - [The Lies They Tell](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-lies-they-tell/) - Sandra Dunham A politician’s job is to be reelected and in this pursuit they tell lies. (I’m pretty quick on the uptake…aren’t I?) Our job is to elect the best possible government. This involves going to the polls when invited to do so and researching the candidates’ positions on current issues and their past performance. - [Secularism QuickLinks — July-August 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-july-august-2024/) - Sikh Court, Papal homophobia, 10 Commandments, Taliban vs women - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — July-August 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-july-august-2024/) - Pseudoscience, (lack of) Education, LLMs vs AGI, and Chomsky is still alive - [Science QuickLinks — July-August 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-july-august-2024/) - Moon rocks fetched, Vulcan not found, battling viruses, AI power consumption - [July-Augst 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-august-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for July & August 2024 - [Ontario Government Dismisses Petition to Eliminate Separate School Funding](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ontario-government-dismisses-petition-to-eliminate-separate-school-funding/) - A report about Stephen Lecce not taking seriously Ontario’s double-standard school system. - [Secularism and Much More Under Attack Next Door](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-and-much-more-under-attack-next-door/) - A warning about the trend of diminished secularism in the U.S. and what that might mean for Canada. - [The Student Protests](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-student-protests/) - A defense of the anti-Israel protests on campuses and a hope that Israel listens - [Soft on Hamas: An Inquiry to My Fellow Gentiles  ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-improbable-remains-an-open-inquiry-to-my-fellow-gentiles/) - Curiosity about the support of, or refusal to condemn, Hamas - [Accusations of Impotent Chattering Notwithstanding…](https://centreforinquiry.ca/accusations-of-impotent-chattering-notwithstanding/) - Howard A. Doughty “Not by speeches and resolutions of majorities are the great questions of the time decided… but by blood and iron.” — Otto von Bismarck, 1862 Albert Camus (1913-1960) was widely revered as the moral voice or his (and my) generation. Few still read him today. During the Algerian “war of independence,” he - [June 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for June 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Keith's Conundrums: Peanut Butter Metaphysics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-peanut-butter/) - Examining the metaphysics of peanut butter - [May 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for May 2024 - [June 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for June 2024 - [May 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for May 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Let's Fix the Census Together!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lets-fix-the-census-together/) - Leslie Rosenblood Every ten years, the Canadian census, the most authoritative source of demographic data about Canadians, asks about religion on the "long form" (sent to approximately a quarter of Canadian households). What is this person's religion? Indicate a specific denomination or religion even if this person is not currently a practising member of that - [How Smart are Smart Watches?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-smart-are-smart-watches/) - Smart watches are becoming increasingly popular and are providing more and more health information. But is it good information? Smart watches have sensors that measure heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen. Samsung has received FDA approval for a sleep-apnea detection tool and promised that there would be more updates available this year. Watches claim to - [Farewell to Daniel Dennett](https://centreforinquiry.ca/farewell-to-daniel-dennett/) - The illusion of conscious known to us as Daniel Dennett is no longer with us - [Secularism QuickLinks — May 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-may-2024/) - Russia’s Holy War, theocons against climate change science, secularism in UK school - [Science QuickLinks — June 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-june-2024/) - Internet eclipsed, climate change hope, COVID and influenza - [Remembering Dad and Dennett](https://centreforinquiry.ca/remembering-dad-and-dennett/) - Keith Douglas Last time, I talked about presuppositions in the work of Daniel Dennett. No responses came at the time of writing. I would like to make one remark on the response Seanna gave to the previous month’s column. She was able to show that answering a question with strange presuppositions is always possible. To - [Secularism QuickLinks — June 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-june-2024/) - Russia’s Holy War, theocons against climate change science, secularism in UK school - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — June 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-june-2024/) - Meta vs misinformation, sneaky doctors vs persuasive anti-vaxxers, WWW's 35th birthday, 15-minute communities. - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — May 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-may-2024/) - Meta vs misinformation, sneaky doctors vs persuasive anti-vaxxers, WWW's 35th birthday, 15-minute communities. - [Science QuickLinks — May 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-may-2024/) - Internet eclipsed, climate change hope, COVID and influenza - [Critical Thinking Matters](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-matters/) - There has never been a time when facts and fiction can be spread so widely and so quickly. CFIC provides you with information to improve your critical thinking literacy skills and highlights how and why misinformation and disinformation is spread. - [Giving Tuesday - November 28, 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/giving-tuesday-november-28-2023/) - Support your community for Critical Thinking, Science, and Secularism. - [Town Hall Discussions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/town-hall-discussions/) - CFIC launches a series of Town Hall gatherings - [Eclipse: In the Shadow of the Moon](https://centreforinquiry.ca/eclipse_in_the_shadow_of_the_moon/) - Eclipses, past and present - [Let’s Make Sure We Are Heard!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lets-make-sure-we-are-heard/) - Showcasing the unsound treatment of a Letter to the Editor - [Petition to End Funding for Catholic Schools Submitted to Ontario Legislature](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ontario-catholic-school-petition-submitted/) - An update on our (and your!) efforts to gather support for an end to public funding of Catholic schools - [April 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for April 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Keith’s Conundrums: Possibility and Necessity](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-historical-methods-2/) - Answers from last month. Also, an examination of historical methods. - [Keith's Conundrums: More on Presuppositions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/more-on-presuppositions/) - more about presuppositions - [Keith's Conundrums: Presuppositions of Questions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-presuppositions-of-questions/) - an examination of the requisite assumptions needed for certain questions - [Volunteer Opportunity: Toronto Branch Manager](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-toronto-branch-manager/) - CFIC is currently looking for a volunteer to fill the role of Toronto Branch Manager. - [Keith’s Conundrums: The Ethics of Communication](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-the-ethics-of-communication/) - Commentary on last month’s puzzle. This month: Examining the ethics of communication. - [2022: What "Lies" Ahead](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2022-what-lies-ahead/) - reflections on 2021 and some predictions for the coming year. - [Update from Omer - May 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-may-2022/) - Update from Omer - March 2022 - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — April 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-april-2024/) - Meta vs misinformation, sneaky doctors vs persuasive anti-vaxxers, WWW's 35th birthday, 15-minute communities. - [Update from Omer - January 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-january-2022/) - Update from Omer - [CFIC Leaders Gaze into their Crystal Balls](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-leaders-gaze-into-their-crystal-balls/) - Predictions for 2022 from the CFIC Leadership Team - [2021 - A Year in Review](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2021-a-year-in-review/) - CFIC is an educational charity. We share information about science, secularism, human rights and critical thinking. Here's how we did this in 2021. - [Secularism QuickLinks — April 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-april-2024/) - Abortion rights in France, cost of religion in Poland, 10 commandments in US schools, blasphemy in Pakistan. - [Update from Omer — February 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-february-2022/) - Update from Omer - [Keith’s Conundrums: Names as Proxy Indicators](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-names-as-proxy-indicators/) - Answers to last month’s puzzle. Also, a look at names as proxy indicators. - [Lessons From the Freedom Convoy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lessons-from-the-freedom-convoy/) - Often, we speak of critical thinking, but do we use it? - [COVID-19 Update](https://centreforinquiry.ca/covid-19-update/) - Evaluating a new treatment for COVID-19 - [March 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2022-dates-of-interest/) - March 2022 Dates of Interest - [CFIC's Best Science Activities of 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/best-science-activities-of-2021/) - 2021 science - CFIC year in review - [CFIC's Best Secular Activities of 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/best-secular-activities-of-2021/) - 2021 secularism - year in review - [Science QuickLinks — April 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-april-2024/) - Farewell to Franz de Waal and Christophe Boesch, COVID-19 misinformation, measles in Canada, dirty hands, climate change forecast - [CFIC's Best Critical Thinking Activities of 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/best-critical-thinking-activities-of-2021/) - 2021 critical thinking - CFIC year in review - [February 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links Articles - February 2022 - [Busy 2021 for CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/busy-2021-for-cfic/) - 2021 science - CFIC year in review - [Religious Charities and Partisanship](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religious-charities-and-partnership/) - Highlighting underhanded practices by religious charities and a call to fight back - [Is Feeding Your Dog a Raw-Meat-Based Diet Worth the Pretty Penny?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/is-feeding-your-dog-a-raw-meat-based-diet-worth-the-pretty-penny/) - An examination of the merits of a traditional vs. raw-based-meat diet for dogs - [Volunteer Opportunities](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunities/) - CFIC is looking for an Event Logistics Assistant. - [March 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links Articles - March 2022 - [Keith’s Conundrums: A Metapuzzle](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-metapuzzle/) - Examining three classic paradoxes - [Wrong On Track](https://centreforinquiry.ca/wrong-on-track/) - A CFIC volunteer who’s been studying the climate for decades offers a reminder about our trajectory. - [Update from Omer — September 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-september-2022/) - Our optimism about Omer arriving in late 2022 may have been misplaced. - [A Plea For Sponsorship](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-plea-for-sponsorship/) - An asylum seeker who fled Iraq to Turkey is looking for sponsors for him and his family. - [October 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for October 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [If It Sounds Ridiculous, Use The Three Ofs](https://centreforinquiry.ca/if-it-sounds-ridiculous-use-the-three-ofs/) - Another examination of misinformation and a reminder to re-evaluate what we hear and read. - [Update from Omer — November 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-november-2022/) - The months of waiting have taken a toll on Omer’s health. - [Volunteer Opportunity: Graphic Designer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-graphic-designer/) - CFIC is looking for visually minded and skilled person who loves being creative through graphic design - [November 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for November 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [October 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2022-dates-of-interest/) - October 2022 Dates of Interest - [Democracy at Work?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/democracy-at-work-or-undermining-democracy/) - Pondering the usefulness of our recent, spur-of-the-moment national mourning holiday - [The Queen’s Funeral: Holiday for Some](https://centreforinquiry.ca/queens-funeral-holiday-for-some/) - Pondering the usefulness of our recent, spur-of-the-moment national mourning holiday - [Keith’s Conundrums: Pseudo-Wittgenstein Minipuzzles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-pseudo-wittgenstein-minipuzzles/) - Commentary on last month's puzzle. Also, 15 pseudo-Wittgenstein Minipuzzles - [Vaccination and Freedumb](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vaccination-and-freedumb/) - Reviewing the sea-change in health outcomes as a result of vaccines. - [Update from Omer — October 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-october-2022/) - The months of waiting have taken a toll on Omer’s health. - [September 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for July 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [September 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2022-dates-of-interest/) - August 2022 Dates of Interest - [Our Changing Religious Diversity](https://centreforinquiry.ca/our-changing-religious-diversity/) - Measuring Canadian religiosity via the latest census - [Critical Thinking About Risk](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-and-risk/) - Evaluating our ability to think critically, especially about risk. - [Keith’s Conundrums: Historical Methods](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-historical-methods/) - Answers from last month. Also, an examination of historical methods. - [November 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2022-dates-of-interest/) - November 2022 Dates of Interest - [Electric Vehicles: Driving Down Emissions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/electric-vehicles-an-achievable-solution-to-driving-down-emissions/) - Examining the environmental and health benefits of electric vehicles. - [Mahsa Amini's Legacy: Update on Iran](https://centreforinquiry.ca/whats-happening-in-iran/) - Mahsa Amini’s legacy; turmoil in Iran - [December 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for December 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Volunteer Opportunity: Podcast Editor](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-podcast-editor-2/) - Be a part of the CFIC Podcast for Inquiry Team - [Volunteer Opportunity: Website Editor, Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-website-editor-critical-links/) - Be a part of the Critical Links team. - [What Religion Costs in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-religion-costs-in-canada/) - A reminder about the heavy burden of Canada's financial support of religions. - [Update from Omer — December 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-december-2022/) - The months of waiting have taken a toll on Omer’s health. - [Misinformation and Hate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/misinformation-and-hate/) - We are in a new age where hate propaganda has found the ultimate amplification — the internet. Fear and hate are the new tools used by manipulators to further their interests. - [Population Explosion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/population-explosion/) - World population has hit 9 billion. What does this mean for Canadians? And what does it mean for humanity? - [Protecting Blasphemers IV](https://centreforinquiry.ca/protecting-blasphemers-iv/) - Protecting Blasphemers is an annual panel discussion highlighting the most recent blasphemy issues of the year. We aim to discover the areas where the global secular community can work together to build support mechanisms to protect blasphemers running from persecution. Each year we also pay our respects to a fellow atheist activist we lost. This - [Inquiry… For Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inquiry-for-human-rights/) - Inquiry is essential to human rights. In countries enjoying freedom to question ideas, we take this human right for granted. But in many countries questioning the ruling powers is dangerous. Increasing polarization of opinion, both here in Canada and around the world, highlights the need for organizations like CFIC to help people determine where to - [Inquiry… For Generosity](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inquiry-for-generosity/) - Consider the value of inquiry. Merriam-Webster defines inquiry as: A request for informationA systematic investigation of a matter of public interestExamination into facts or principles In a world that appears to be increasingly divided, inquiry is a tool that can be used to improve understanding. Inquiry can help us to disagree without being disagreeable. Inquiry - [Inquiry… For Critical Thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inquiry-for-critical-thinking/) - As our world becomes more reliant on algorithms to present us with information, learning to evaluate information through inquiry is the only way to arrive at the truth. Too often, people receive information that supports their viewpoint and fail to actively seek out differing viewpoints that will enable them to evaluate information. Too many people - [Inquiry… For Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inquiry-for-science/) - Science involves systematic, empirical research and builds on all past scientific investigation. As such, it is constantly self-evaluating and self-correcting. Science leads to better, longer lives. Yet science is under attack. Self-serving “snake oil salesmen” seek to undermine science. Naïve consumers opt for quick fixes and easy solutions, undermining the ability of science to improve - [Update from Omer — January 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-january-2023/) - The news we've all been waiting for. - [Volunteer Opportunity: Event Logistics Coordinator](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-event-logistics-coordinator-event-logistics-assistant/) - Be a part of the CFIC Team - [Inquiry… For a More Secular Nation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inquiry-for-a-more-secular-nation/) - Research has shown that secularism and quality of life are correlated. And although Canada has made progress towards becoming a more secular nation since Confederation, we still have far to go. It is through the process of inquiry that CFIC makes Canadians aware of the degree to which government decisions are based on religion, the - [Inquiry… It's in our name](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inquiry-its-in-our-name/) - Do you value inquiry? Do you recognize its importance in issues like human rights? Climate change? Healthcare? Secularism? Critical thinking? We hope you will support CFIC's 2022 year-end campaign. Inquiry… For a More Secular Nation Inquiry… For Science Inquiry… For Critical Thinking Inquiry… For Human Rights Inquiry… For Generosity - [February 2023 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2023-dates-of-interest/) - February 2023 Dates of Interest - [When Religious Leaders Become Atheists - Recap](https://centreforinquiry.ca/when-religious-leaders-become-atheists-recap/) - A recap of our “When Religious Leaders Become Atheists” panel discussion. - [Near Death Experience Research](https://centreforinquiry.ca/near-death-experience-research/) - A look at research into near death experiences - [Volunteer Opportunity: Assistance for Apostates Resource Coordinator](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-assistants-for-apostates-resource-coordinator/) - Be a part of the CFIC Team - [Keith’s Conundrums: Freedom of Speech?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-freedom-of-speech/) - Keith Douglas January Puzzle Hunt Last time I sent along a puzzle hunt. Each of the answers to the questions starts with a letter that forms an acrostic - i.e., they can be read top to bottom using the first letter. The result is a new year's greeting in both of Canada’s official languages, and - [December Holiday Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-holiday-survey-results/) - Last month we asked you how you participated in December events. Fifty-two people participated in the poll. Just over half of them participated in Christmas events (53%) although some of you (10%) did so unwillingly. Many of our respondents (12%) celebrated something other in December, with the most common celebration being the solstice. Other celebrations - [New Canadian Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption](https://centreforinquiry.ca/new-canadian-guidelines-for-alcohol-consumption/) - New guidelines for safe consumption of alcohol have struck a nerve with Canadians - [DAY OF ACTION TO #FREESOHEIL](https://centreforinquiry.ca/day-of-action-to-freesoheil/) - CFI Canada joins Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and other secular and humanist organizations around the world on 4 February for a day of action in support of Soheil Arabi. - [Volunteer Opportunity: Event Organizer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-event-organizer/) - Be a part of the CFIC Team - [#FillYourLife Conference, Barrie, ON, April 29 to 30](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fillyourlife-conference/) - Ontario Humanist Society 2023 conference and AGM - [Group of Five Refugee Sponsors Needed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/group-of-five-refugee-sponsors-needed/) - A group in Halifax is working to bring an Iranian ex-Muslim atheist refugee to Canada. You can help by volunteering to be a part of a Group of Five. - [Space Survey Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/space-survey-results/) - Complete the sentence: Is space exploration… - [Update from Omer — April 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-april-2023/) - The news we've all been waiting for. - [Which Rights Are Right?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/which-rights-are-right/) - An examination of how to — or whether to — define the sex or gender of God. - [When is a Godwin not a Godwin?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/when-is-a-godwin-not-a-godwin/) - Godwin's Law and Reductio at Hitlerium - [MAiD in Canada: Too Far, Too Fast?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/maid-in-canada-too-far-too-fast/) - Arthur Schafer (University of Manitoba) speaks about MAiD at Oxford U - [ChatGPT Isn’t a Technological Solution; It’s a Philosophical Problem](https://centreforinquiry.ca/chat-gpt-isnt-a-technological-solution-its-a-philosophical-problem/) - An examination of the philosophical implications of the latest AI craze. - [Urban Sprawl: Paving Paradise](https://centreforinquiry.ca/urban-sprawl-paving-paradise/) - A developer wants to build a house in the woods. An environmentalist already has a house in the woods. - [Keith's Conundrums: Puzzle Hunt Solutions and ChatGPT](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-puzzle-hunt-solutions-and-chatgpt/) - What (if anything) should we do about AI? - [Bill 98: Just a First Step](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bill-98-just-a-first-step/) - Tell Stephen Lecce it is past time for Ontario to stop the discriminatory funding of Catholic boards - [Sophistical Tongue Map](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sophistical-tongue-map/) - The "tongue map" is a popular scientific misconception - [May Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2023-dates-of-interest/) - May 2023 Dates of Interest - [May 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for May 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Sudbury Inmates on Suicide Watch Offered Only the Bible](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sudbury-inmates-on-suicide-watch-only-offered-bible/) - religious texts are the only reading material permitted for Sudbury inmates on suicide watch - [Urban Sprawl and Native Plants](https://centreforinquiry.ca/urban-sprawl-and-native-plants/) - Will Ontario's provincial flower be around for our grandchildren? - [Emotional Reasoning](https://centreforinquiry.ca/emotional-reasoning/) - The core values of CFI involve critical thinking, good science and secular decision making. - [Check Your Outrage](https://centreforinquiry.ca/check-your-outrage/) - How to avoid unintentionally spreading misinformation. - [Keith's Conundrums: ChatGPT Continued](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-continuing-the-discussion-about-chatgpt/) - further discussion of AI and Artificial Neural Networks - [Update on Omer — June 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-june-2023/) - The situation remains stalled, with Omer still stuck waiting in Nepal - [If You Could Read My Mind](https://centreforinquiry.ca/if-you-could-read-my-mind/) - Can an MRI image read thoughts? - [Secular Quick Links — June 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-quick-links-june-2023/) - June 2023 Secular News Roundup - [QuickLinks](https://centreforinquiry.ca/quicklinks/) - CFIC's monthly news roundup - [Foreign Money From Human Rights Abusers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/foreign-money-from-human-rights-abusers/) - Questioning funding from human rights abusers - [July 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for July 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Email your Ontario MPP](https://centreforinquiry.ca/email-your-ontario-mpp/) - Click on the name of your MPP below to start an email - you can add your own text, or use this message. Jill,Andrew (New Democratic Party of Ontario) Teresa,Armstrong (New Democratic Party of Ontario) Ted,Arnott (Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario) Aris,Babikian (Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario) Robert,Bailey (Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario) Doly,Begum (New - [Keith's Conundrums: Professionalization](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-professionalization/) - Conclusions from last month's AI discussion. Also an examination of professionalization. - [Too Good to Be True?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/too-good-to-be-true-maybe-it-isnt/) - Fact checking the good stuff - [Nuclear Fragments](https://centreforinquiry.ca/nuclear-fragments/) - An examination of the challenges keeping us from using more nuclear power - [Outrageous News: Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/outrageous-news-poll-results/) - That’s outrageous! But is it true? Poll results. - [Klaatu Barada Nikto](https://centreforinquiry.ca/klaatu-barada-nikto/) - Examining the strange phenomena in the sky that even the Pentagon has been able to identify. - [August 2023 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2023-dates/) - August 2023 Dates of Interest - [Sports Sponsorship: Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sports-sponsorship-poll-results/) - Does it matter who pays for athletics? - [August 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for August 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Science QuickLinks — August 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-august-2023/) - Science News and Information - July 2023 - [September 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for September 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Foreign-Influenced Misinformation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/foreign-influenced-misinformation/) - modern wars are fought in the battleground of social media - [Promoting Spiritual Diversity in Chaplain-Supported Institutions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/supporting-spiritual-diversity-in-canadian-institutions/) - A quick look at Canada’s move to provide spiritual services to the non-religious - [Introducing CFIC Alberta](https://centreforinquiry.ca/introducing-cfic-alberta/) - Building Community Under the Banner of Reason, Good Science, and Secularism - [The Land of Nod](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-land-of-nod/) - Edan Tasca “Your eyes water when you yawn because you miss your bed and it makes you sad.” —Anonymous The average human spends approximately one-third of his or her life sleeping or trying to sleep. Reviewing our typical day, this might not be surprising to most, given that most of us are hoping for something - [Scramming from Scamming](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scramming-from-scamming/) - A reminder of what to look out for to avoid getting ripped off. - [March 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for March 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [April 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for April 2024 - [January 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for January 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [February 2024 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2024-critical-links/) - Critical Links for February 2024: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [2024 AGM](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2024-agm-documents/) - 2024 AGM documents - [CFIC Annual General Meeting (2022-2023)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-2022-2023-annual-general-meeting/) - CFIC AGM - [Making History](https://centreforinquiry.ca/making-history/) - Wab Kinew: A profile of Canada’s first Indigenous premier - [June 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for June 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Volunteer Opportunity: Critical Links Layout Assistant](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-critical-links-layout-assistant/) - Volunteer: Critical Links Layout Assistant - [Narges' Nobel, Everybody's Peace](https://centreforinquiry.ca/narges-nobel-everybodys-peace/) - Scott Douglas Jacobsen Human rights advocacy can be graded by degrees. Some advocacy is communicated in articles, interviews, donations, and professional work. Still more is committed by people in collectives working for dignity and equality. Sometimes fearless advocates can be awardees and/or lightning rods. One of those people is Narges Mohammadi. Mohammadi was awarded the - [Beware of Extremists Who Punch Above Their Weight](https://centreforinquiry.ca/beware-of-extremists-who-punch-above-their-weight/) - Russell Pangborn In the U.S., the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has indicated that the bible is his rulebook. He holds views on same-sex relationships and abortion that are not majority-held opinions. He has intimated that his ascension to power was ordained by God. Apparently God wanted him to be third in - [This Just In! All November and December Donations Will Be Matched!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/this-just-in-all-december-donations-will-be-matched/) - CFIC Board member will match all donations made in December 2023 - [Artificial Intelligence: Existential Threat or Gaslighting?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/artificial-intelligence-existential-threat-or-gaslighting/) - Questioning the motivations of some who are raising concerns about AI - [Secularism and Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/human-rights-2023/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [Secularism and Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-and-human-rights-2023/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [December 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for December 2023: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Nuns or Nones?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/nuns-or-nones/) - Amid ugly new revelations about the Catholic church, a non-believer hopes for the institution’s moral resurgence - [Update on Omer — December 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-december-2023/) - The situation remains stalled, with Omer still stuck waiting in Nepal - [Critical Thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-2023/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [Secularism Works](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-works/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [March 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for March 2024 - [Science QuickLinks — March 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-march-2024/) - Obelisks in the biome, oral rehydration, water in batteries, AGW lawsuits, Oreos vs statins, decimal points - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — March 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-march-2024/) - COVID vaccine safety, AI threats, reporting on pseudoscience, money problems - [Secularism QuickLinks — March 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-march-2024/) - Canadian Prayer Breakfast, embryos as persons, blaspheming with calligraphy and lion nomenclature - [Toronto, Save the Date: August 11](https://centreforinquiry.ca/toronto-save-the-date-august-11/) - CFIC's Toronto branch will be hosting its first in-person event since the pandemic on the evening of Sunday, August 11. It will feature a special guest and promises to be both entertaining and educational. Full details will be provided in April's Critical Links, but in the meantime, here's a hint: The speaker will be a - [February 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for February 2024 - [Blodwen Piercy (December 3, 1926 — January 12, 2024)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/blodwen-piercy-december-3-1926-january-12-2024/) - remembering Blodwen Piercy - [One School System for Ontario](https://centreforinquiry.ca/one-school-system-for-ontario/) - Ontario's public funding of Catholic schools wastes money. It also discriminates on the basis of religion. The Catholic and Public school systems should be consolidated for the following reasons: Public funding of one religion’s schools violates the right to equal benefit of the law without religious discrimination as outlined in section 15 of the Canadian - [Prayers Research: The Saguenay Project](https://centreforinquiry.ca/prayers-research-the-saguenay-project/) - Leslie Rosenblood The BC Humanist Association is looking for volunteers to help with their Saguenay Project. For the past several years, the BCHA has been investigating unconstitutional prayers in municipal council meetings across the country (see the Do cities listen to the Supreme Court? episode of Podcast for Inquiry). This work has helped ensure that municipalities adhere - [The Cultural Defence: Mitigating Factor or Something Else?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cultural-defence-mitigating-factor-or-something-else/) - Howard Doughty “Invoking a cultural defence has become a popular but controversial legal strategy... It is used to mitigate punishment, create exemptions from policies, and increase the size of damage awards… Although it may be defended as a matter of principle, if this defense has any chance of being formally adopted, policies must be established - [Don’t Like Public Funding of Religious Schools? It’s Time to Get Noisy!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dont-like-public-funding-of-religious-schools-its-time-to-get-noisy/) - Thanks to all of our members who printed, signed, and returned petitions opposing the public funding of Catholic school boards in Ontario. This petition will be presented in February. We would also like to make some noise about this issue in February. Humanist groups and others in Ontario who are interested in this issue are - [Critical Links Review Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-review-poll-results/) - results of poll of opinions about Critical Links - [Science QuickLinks — February 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-february-2024/) - Space missions, vaccines, modern and ancient dinosaurs - [Secularism QuickLinks — February 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-february-2024/) - Iranian women killed for violating dress codes, stats on "nones", historical facism - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — February 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-february-2024/) - Lying to children, PoMo vs clarity, Critical Thinking Awareness Day - [Update on Omer — February 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-february-2024/) - Most of you will have seen our January fundraising appeal. As we continued to be unsure of the timing of Omer’s arrival in Canada, we asked for your help in ensuring that we could continue to support him through 2024. And you came through. If anyone missed the appeal, your donation is still very much - [Liberate Canada From What, Tucker?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/liberate-canada-from-what-tucker/) - Russell Pangborn We are warned by Vinay Menon that Tucker Carlson is in Canada this week and the haters are paying $300 to hear him trash our country and leader. This person who knowingly spouted lies about a stolen election to support a party that tried many times to skuttle Obamacare in the U.S. wants - [CFIC 2021-2022 Annual General Meeting](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-agm-2021-2022/) - CFIC AGM - [Despite a Facelift, the Salvation Army Hasn't Changed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/despite-a-facelift-the-salvation-army-hasnt-changed/) - Leslie Rosenblood Ten years ago, I implored people not to donate to the Salvation Army. This was because, at the time, the Canadian chapter was evangelical and despicably homophobic. I decided to check whether it had changed in the decade since. Unfortunately, it has not. The Salvation Army Canada's Official Position Statements (2007) shows they believe that not just marriage, but - [Year-End Charitable Giving Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/giving-poll-results/) - Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in our survey on year-end charitable giving. Fully 78 percent of respondents told us that they make charitable donations in December, however the majority of these respondents indicated that they did not give MORE in December than in other months. Of those who do give more - [Science QuickLinks — January 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-january-2024/) - Reproducibility crisis, dark photons, COVID names, bird flu vaccines - [Secularism QuickLinks — January 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-january-2024/) - Iranian women killed for violating dress codes, stats on "nones", historical facism - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — January 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-january-2024/) - Curing vaccine hesitancy, free will, AI vs information, educating youth to do the right thing - [January 2024 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2024-dates/) - Events, anniversaries, and observances for January 2024 - [Podcast for Inquiry Celebrates Two Incredible Years](https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquiry-celebrates-two-incredible-years/) - Leslie Rosenblood It's been two amazing years of Podcast for Inquiry. It continues to be a source of tremendous pride to host fascinating conversations every two weeks. We brought you 25 discussions in 2023, plus three bonus episodes featuring a defense of secular principles in various contexts. We kicked off the year with a passionate - [Anti-Muslim Bigotry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/anti-muslim-bigotry/) - Scott Douglas Jacobsen Muslims were murdered. They were murdered by a young adult Canadian man on June 6, 2021. A male named Nathaniel Veltman. Hatred kills. This matters to the humanist community. CFIC and a number of humanist organizations in Canada matter to the lives of humanists for equality, dignity, respect, and advancement of scientific - [Fear Not the Dreaded Blue Monday](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fear-not-the-dreaded-blue-monday/) - Edan Tasca In 2004, a psychologist who worked for a travel company called SkyTravel produced a press release that garnered some popular appeal, arguing that there is a most depressing day of every year. It occurs around the third week of January. He called it Blue Monday. The idea was that a lot of unhappy - [Gift a Donation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/gift-a-donation/) - Although we are secularists, for many of us gift-giving is a part of the year-end holiday season. You may give gifts because you love doing it, or because you temporarily get caught up in the season, or simply because it is expected. Whatever your rationale, if you are looking for an idea for the hard-to-buy-for - [Journalism Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/journalism-poll-results/) - Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in our survey on news sources. Our first question related to whether people pay for their news. Here’s what you told us: 47% of respondents do not pay for any newspapers 39% of respondents have a paid subscription to one or more newspapers 14% of respondents - [Today is Giving Tuesday](https://centreforinquiry.ca/giving-tuesday-2023/) - Support your community for Science, Secularism and Critical Thinking - [Do Your Research!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/do-your-research/) - what does it mean to do your own research? - [Religion: Freedom “Of” or Freedom “From”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religion-freedom-of-or-freedom-from/) - By Howard A. Doughty “Pas de liberté pour les ennemis de la liberté.” – Louis Antoine Léon de Saint-Just (1767-1794). If the true test of free speech is the defence of hateful speech (legally abandoned due to the 1985 criminalizing of “hate speech”), what is the standard for freedom of religion? How can people committed - [October 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for October 2023: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi](https://centreforinquiry.ca/maui-no-ka-oi/) - Howard A. Doughty Anthropogenic Disasters Lorne Kenney and I began life within weeks of each other in 1945. Our arrivals were immediately preceded by the detonation of "Little Boy" and "Fat Man." They heralded the "atomic age" and occasioned the extermination of roughly 150,000 to 230,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They underlined a comment (often - [Catholic Schools: Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/catholic-schools-poll-results/) - How does the question of public funding for Catholic Schools influences decisions at the voting box. - [Disinformation Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/disinformation-poll-results/) - Modern wars, fought in the battleground of social media - [Two Healthy Decisions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/two-healthy-decisions/) - Two simple lifestyle tweaks aimed at a healthier body and planet - [The Case for Supporting Journalism … But What Journalism?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-case-for-supporting-journalismbut-what-journalism/) - Sandra Dunham Most readers who are as old as I am will recall that a “paperboy” (some were girls, but we were less politically correct then) would drop off a newspaper every morning. We also might recall our parents tuning into the news at 6 and 10 pm. In my adult years, I have increasingly - [November 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for November 2023: News and opinions about Science, Secularism, and Critical Thinking - [Funding of Catholic Schools: More Than an Ontario Issue](https://centreforinquiry.ca/funding-of-catholic-schools-more-than-an-ontario-issue/) - Continuing grassroots actions demanding provincial governments end taxpayer-funded Catholic schools - [The Music of the Spheres](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-music-of-the-spheres/) - In post-Soviet Russia, Life imitates Art - [Keith's Conundrums: Explanations vs. Excuses](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-explanations-vs-excuses/) - Keith Douglas Last time, I illustrated the difference between realism and instrumentalism, one species of anti-realism in the philosophy of science. I received no responses. Moving on, then. Explanations vs. Excuses These days we hear a lot of wondering about: “Should X have done Y? Was Z justified? Why W?” It is thus not surprising - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — December 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-december-2023/) - Curing vaccine hesitancy, free will, AI vs information, educating youth to do the right thing - [Secularism QuickLinks — December 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-december-2023/) - Iranian women killed for violating dress codes, stats on "nones", historical facism - [Science QuickLinks — December 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-december-2023/) - Reproducibility crisis, dark photons, COVID names, bird flu vaccines - [December 2023 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2023-dates/) - December 1 is World AIDS Day. December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. December 6 is The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day to remember victims and survivors, and to consider how we can all take action to secure a future free of gender-based violence. December - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — November 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-november-2023/) - Curing vaccine hesitancy, free will, AI vs information, educating youth to do the right thing - [May 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2021-dates-of-interest/) - May 2021 Dates of Interest - [November 2023 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2023-dates/) - November 1, 1880, was the birthday of German meteorologist and geophysicist Alfred Wegener, who originated the idea of continental drift, leading to the theory of plate tectonics. November 2 is UNESCO’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. On November 7, 1492, The Ensisheim Meteorite, the oldest meteorite with a recorded date of - [Keith's Conundrums: More on Measurements](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-more-on-measurements/) - Insight about last month’s puzzle, from three distinct perspectives - [Science QuickLinks — November 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-november-2023/) - Reproducibility crisis, dark photons, COVID names, bird flu vaccines - [Secularism QuickLinks — November 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-november-2023/) - Iranian women killed for violating dress codes, stats on "nones", historical facism - [Keith's Conundrums: Measurements](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-measurements/) - Measuring - [2023 Fierté Capitale Pride Parade — Ottawa](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2023-fierte-capitale-pride-parade-ottawa/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada (Ottawa branch) and Humanist Ottawa march in the Fierté Capitale Pride Parade. - [Ex-Muslims of North America Launches #AwesomeWithoutAllah](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ex-muslims-of-north-america-launches-awesomewithoutallah/) - By Edan Tasca Every religion can be difficult to leave. I know this not because I used to be religious and had a difficult go of it after leaving my faith. I’m grateful to have been raised secularly. The reason I know how hard leaving religion can be is that I host a monthly support - [Farewell To The Amazing Randi](https://centreforinquiry.ca/farewell-to-the-amazing-randi/) - Edan Tasca On October 20, one of the skeptical community’s fiercest members, James “The Amazing” Randi, died of natural causes. He was 92. Born in Toronto in 1928, Randall James Hamilton Zwinge was skeptical from a young age, having quit summer school as a child because his teachers couldn’t offer proof of the teachings of - [What the Heck is ‘Oumuamua?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-the-heck-is-oumuamua/) - It seems impossible, given how long humans have been studying the skies, but last October 19, a Canadian astrophysicist at the University of Hawaii observed the first confirmed interstellar object to travel through our solar system. The object is called ‘Oumuamua (the apostrophe is not a typo). - [Secularism QuickLinks — October 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-october-2023/) - Qur'an burning, Uganda anti-LGBTQ legislation - [Science QuickLinks — October 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-october-2023/) - COVID-19 update, spotless giraffes, falling antimatter, asteroid pieces on earth. - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — October 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-october-2023/) - Lifecoaches, AI, and p(doom). - [Water: Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-water-poll-results/) - Do you think water is wet? - [Ontario Petition for One Public School System Updates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ontario-petition-for-one-public-school-system-updates/) - CFIC has been working with other secular organizations to promote a petition to end the public funding of separate Catholic school boards. We have been able to extend the deadline for submissions. If you can possibly obtain more signatures, please do. We have received some questions about the petition and are happy to provide some - [Update on Omer — October 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-on-omer-october-2023/) - The situation remains stalled, with Omer still stuck waiting in Nepal - [October 2023 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2023-dates/) - October 2023 Dates of Interest - [One School System for Ontario (Petition to End Funding of Catholic Schools)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/one-school-system-for-ontario-new-petition/) - Petition to end religious favoritism in education - [September 2023 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2023-dates/) - August 2023 Dates of Interest - [Science QuickLinks — September 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-september-2023/) - Bacteria & viruses, reconnecting with Voyager, leaded "medicine", equal pay for doctors, scientists vs nukes - [Keith's Conundrums: Puzzles From Childhood](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-puzzles-from-childhood/) - Wetness, and assorted puzzling questions - [Secularism QuickLinks — September 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-september-2023/) - Qur'an burning, Uganda anti-LGBTQ legislation - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — September 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-september-2023/) - Lifecoaches, AI, and p(doom). - [Secularism QuickLinks — July 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-july-2023/) - Science News and Information - July 2023 - [Science QuickLinks — July 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quicklinks-july-2023/) - Science News and Information - July 2023 - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — July 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-july-2023/) - Critical Thinking News and Information - July 2023 - [July 2023 Interesting Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2023-dates/) - July 2023 Dates of Interest - [Keith's Conundrums: Is Water Wet?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-is-water-wet/) - An attempt at a definitive answer about whether water is wet. - [Critical Thinking QuickLinks — August 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking-quicklinks-august-2023/) - Critical Thinking Quick Links - August 2023 - [Secularism QuickLinks — August 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-quicklinks-august-2023/) - Science News and Information - July 2023 - [Volunteer Opportunity: Critical Thinking Resource Coordinator](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-critical-thinking-resource-locator/) - CFIC is looking for a Critical Thinking Resource Coordinator - [Keith’s Conundrums: A Puzzle Hunt](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-a-puzzle-hunt/) - Keith Douglas About last time, Alex B. sent along the idea that this was worth thinking about — thanks! My own view of the possibility and necessity puzzle is really that there is not much use to modal logic as presented. It does entail that calculating possibility is harder if one uses (for example) a - [Review of Calgary Police Service Recommends Removal of Religious Iconography](https://centreforinquiry.ca/review-of-calgary-police-service-recommends-removal-of-religious-iconography/) - Revealing the preponderance of Christianity in the Calgary Police Service. - [2020 Winter Solstice Magic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2020-winter-solstice-magic/) - December 20 — Winter Solstice Magic CFIC’s Winter Solstice Magic Show is coming to a computer near you. This interactive evening will feature live magic with James Alan. Attendees will watch and participate in the show, and have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A where we peek "behind the curtain". We’ve also set - [International Human Rights Day - 2018](https://centreforinquiry.ca/international-human-rights-day-2018/) - On International Human Rights Day, CFIC calls on compassionate Canadians to help those fleeing persecution for secular views - [CFIC Matters: In the Headlines](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-matters-in-the-headlines/) - Science Harassment against scientists is out of control When and how to debate vaccine science ‘If you win the popular imagination, you change the game’: why we need new stories on climate Are COVID vaccines related to neurologic events? A single COVID-19 pandemic or multiple SARS pandemics? Does it matter? Secularism Nigerian man stoned to - [CFIC Matters](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-matters/) - CFIC wraps up their CFIC matters campaign, and announces a major gift. - [Why Choose Humanism?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/why-choose-humanism/) - Dr. Richard Thain Presented at the 2023 OHS Conference #Fillyourlife Barrie ON April 29, 2023 Dr. Thain participated in a panel discussion about humanism at the OHS 2023 #FillYourLife conference which took place April 29 and 30, 2023. Below are Richard's responses as to why he chose humanism and his hopes and concerns about the - [Secularism Matters](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-matters/) - People who live in secular societies are safer, healthier, and happier than those living in religious states. Secular nations fare better on virtually every socio-economic measure: maternal health, morbidity, mortality, addiction, mental illness, and more. Secular societies are more peaceful and have lower crime rates. In short, secular societies are better societies. Leslie Rosenblood, Secular Chair, CFIC - [Science Matters](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-matters/) - Science Matters. Support CFIC to improve scientific literacy and fight pseudoscience. - [June 2023 Dates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2023-dates-of-interest/) - June is National Indigenous History Month. June 3 is World Bicycle Day. June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day. June 8, 1625, marks the birthday of Giovanni Cassini, who first discovered seven moons of Saturn (today we know of 124!). June 10 is World Wide Knit in Public Day. June 14 is World Blood Donor - [Ontario Takes First Step to Merge Public and Catholic School Boards](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ontario-takes-first-step-to-merge-public-and-catholic-school-boards/) - Ontario's Bill 98 - first step to One School System? - [CFIC Matters Campaign](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-matters-campaign-coming-this-week/) - Launching the CFIC Matters campaign - [Science Quick Links — June 2023 (With COVID Updates)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-quick-links-june-2023-covid-updates/) - Science Quick Links — June 2023 (COVID updates) - [Climate Change Poll Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/climate-change-poll-results/) - Results of April poll on Climate Change - [Supernova 2023ixf](https://centreforinquiry.ca/supernova-2023ixf/) - 2023ixf is the closest supernova that has appeared since 2011. - [April 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for February 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Farmers’ Almanac and Weather](https://centreforinquiry.ca/farmers-almanac-and-weather/) - Examining the validity of The Farmers’ Almanac. - [April 2023 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2023-dates-of-interest/) - April 2023 Dates of Interest - [Keith’s Conundrums: A New Puzzle Hunt](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-a-new-puzzle-hunt/) - Keith Douglas Steve and Mike report trying to formalize Curry’s paradox and getting stuck over self-reference. They can proceed in this direction; many have. Those interested can look up Gödel numbers. Alex points out an iterated conditional and how it is difficult to understand. In ordinary language iterated conditionals are very rare. Some philosophers of - [Don’t Sweat the Small (Simple) Sugar Stuff](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dont-sweat-the-small-simple-sugar-stuff/) - Examining the health properties of sugar. - [February 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for February 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [March 2023 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2023-dates-of-interest/) - March 2023 Dates of Interest - [March 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for February 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [2023 AGM documents](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2023-agm-documents/) - CFIC-2023-AGM-Agenda CFIC-2021-2022-Annual-Report CFIC-AGM-2022-Minutes Special-meeting-of-voting-members-June-9-2022Download CFIC-YE-2022-Financial-Statements - [Keith’s Conundrums: Curry's Paradox](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-currys-paradox/) - Keith Douglas Nothing to analyze from last time. Reader Alex mentions some analytical categories to help out and also mentions existing legal categories in Canada — thanks! Curry’s Paradox This is the paradox whereby curry always seems hotter when you make it yourself! No, actually, the paradox is due to the expounder of what is - [Volunteer Opportunity: Secularism Writer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-secularism-writer/) - Write about Secularism for CFIC's Critical Links newsletter - [The Launch of the Rashid Rover](https://centreforinquiry.ca/rashid-rover/) - An examination of the UAE’s Rashid Rover, the first Arab-built moon rover. - [Alcohol Survey Results](https://centreforinquiry.ca/alcohol-consumption-survey-results/) - Results of survey on alcohol consumption - [CFIC 2021-2022 Financial Statements](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-2021-2022-financial-statements/) - CFIC 2021-2022 Financial Statements (signed) - [January 2023 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2023-critical-links/) - Critical Links for January 2023: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [January 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2022-dates-of-interest/) - January 2022 Dates of Interest - [January 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links Articles - November 2021 - [BAHACON 2022 (Aug 26-28) — Atheism, Humanism, Skepticism, & Freethinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bahacon-2022-aug-26-28-atheism-humanism-skeptic-freethinking/) - BAHACon Conference in Sarnia, ON - August 26-28 2022 - [CFIC's New Podcast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-launches-podcast-for-inquiry/) - CFIC's new Podcast for Inquiry launches in January 2022 - [Our Readers’ Experiences With E-cars](https://centreforinquiry.ca/our-readers-experiences-with-e-cars/) - Thank you to all who completed our first online survey. We received 38 responses. The majority of respondents appear to be pro-electric vehicle. Eight currently own an E-vehicle, five are waiting for one, one plans to order one, and 10 wish that they owned one. Many E-car owners commented on how much they love their - [Nuclear Fusion: A Clean Energy Breakthrough](https://centreforinquiry.ca/nuclear-fusion-a-clean-energy-breakthrough/) - Julia Kim For the first time in the nearly 70-year history of controlled fusion research, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have successfully effected a fusion reaction that produced more energy than what it took to ignite it. U.S. officials have reported this promising result could eventually accelerate the world’s transition to renewable energy, - [Religious Head Coverings: More Than Just Hijabs](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religious-head-coverings-more-than-just-hijabs/) - Sandra Dunham The wearing of the hijab and other religious head coverings has received significant attention internationally since the arrest of Mahsa Amini and her subsequent death in custody. (See Mahsa Amini’s Legacy: Update on Iran for more information.) There are strong emotions associated with religious symbols in general and head coverings in particular. In - [Outcomes of Last Year's CFIC Crystal Ball](https://centreforinquiry.ca/outcome-of-the-cfic-crystal-ball/) - Last year we asked our board and leadership team to make some predictions for 2022. This year we asked them to comment on how accurate they were. While not all of them provided feedback, here’s what they said. Our leader and President, Gus Lyn-Piluso, had only one prediction: He assured us that the Leafs would - [When Religious Leaders Become Atheists](https://centreforinquiry.ca/when-religious-leaders-become-atheists/) - Former Christian, Muslim, and Jewish religious leaders talk about their experiences of losing their beliefs. - [January 2023 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2023-dates-of-interest/) - January 2023 Dates of Interest - [One Public Education Now Update — Year End 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/one-public-education-now-update-year-end-2022/) - OPEN (One Public Education Now) chooses not to appeal the motion to dismiss. - [One Public Education Now Update](https://centreforinquiry.ca/one-public-education-now-update/) - OPEN (One Public Education Now) has raised $150,000 for the legal challenge to public funding of Ontario separate schools - now we need to raise another $200,000. - [Podcast for Inquiry Turns One](https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquiry-turns-one/) - Leslie Rosenblood Podcast for Inquiry has just wrapped its first year, and what a year it's been! Here's a sample of what we've accomplished: Big names on the podcast: Steven Pinker, Julie Bindel, Jonathan Kay, and William Davis;Tackled some challenging and controversial topics: Bill 21 (both sides), free speech, and artificial intelligence;Fascinating conversations with amazing - [December 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2022-dates-of-interest/) - November 2022 Dates of Interest - [November 2021 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2021-critical-links-posts/) - Critical Links Articles - November 2021 - [Magnify Your Donation. It Matters! ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/magnify-your-donation-it-matters/) - Encouraging charitable donations through workplace matching programs - [Own the Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/own-the-science/) - A CFIC councillor starts a podcast about science in Canada’s public sector - [CFIC Asks You to Fund the Facts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-asks-you-to-fund-the-facts/) - CFIC asks our members and supporters to “Fund the Facts.” - [February 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2022-dates-of-interest/) - February 2022 Dates of Interest - [Refugee Sponsors Needed in Nova Scotia](https://centreforinquiry.ca/refugee-sponsors-needed-in-nova-scotia/) - Date: April 5, 2022 Candidate Overview Names: Wahid Ahmed* and Laiq Mahad* Nationality: Pakistan. Fled to (current location): Republic of Georgia. Plea for Help: Wahid Ahmed, a well-known atheist blogger and human rights activist from Pakistan,and his cousin, Laiq Mahad, have been refused asylum in the Republic of Georgia despite many formal appeals. Wahid fled - [CSICON 2022: Now Is the Time for Skeptics to Shine](https://centreforinquiry.ca/csicon-2022-now-is-the-time-for-skeptics-to-shine/) - It’s finally time for CSICon 2022, October 20 to 23 - [Ottawa 2022 Pride march](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ottawa-2022-pride-march/) - After two years of scrapped Capital Pride Parades, the 2022 parade made a record-breaking comeback on a sunny, hot, August, Ottawa afternoon. It took over 90 minutes for the 185 colourful floats and 7,500 participants to pass by. Humanist Canada took the lead, organizing a joint, collaborative parade entry with CFI Canada, Ontario Humanist Society, - [Volunteer Opportunity: Event Logistics Assistant](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-event-logistics-assistant/) - Write about Secularism for CFIC's Critical Links newsletter - [Volunteer Opportunity: Event Planner](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-event-planner/) - Write about Secularism for CFIC's Critical Links newsletter - [Volunteer Opportunity: Communications Committee Secretary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-secretary-communications-committee/) - CFIC is looking for a recording secretary for our Communications Committee - [NASA Launches the James Webb Space Telescope](https://centreforinquiry.ca/nasa-launches-the-james-webb-space-telescope/) - Introducing NASA’s new space telescope - [Keith’s Conundrums: Examining Rationality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-examining-rationality/) - Answers to last month’s puzzle. Also, a look at names as proxy indicators. - [Just Released: The Final Report in CFIC's Cost of Religion Series](https://centreforinquiry.ca/coming-soon-the-final-report-in-the-cfic-cost-of-religion-series/) - "The Cost of Religion in Canada: More than just money", the concluding report in a 5-part series. - [A Picture Says 1000 Words … Whether True or Not](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-picture-says-1000-words-whether-they-are-true-or-not/) - Examining best practices in verifying the accuracy of photos online - [22022022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/22022022-and-numerology/) - What’s in a number? Er, nothing when you come to think of it… - [Protecting Afghan Apostates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/protecting-afghan-apostates/) - Secular Connexion Séculière has issued a video call-to-action, and hosting a live panel discussion - [Citizen Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/citizen-science/) - Find out how to get involved in Citizen Science - [The Fallacy of the Administration Cost as a Charity Evaluation Tool](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-fallacy-of-the-administration-cost-as-a-charity-evaluation-tool/) - are administrative (and fund raising) costs a valid method of evaluating the effectiveness of a charity? - [Religious Institutions and Your Tax Dollars](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religious-institutions-and-your-tax-dollars/) - Religious Institutions and Your Tax Dollars - [April 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2022-dates-of-interest/) - April 2022 Dates of Interest - [Our New Vocabulary: From Airborne to Zoom](https://centreforinquiry.ca/our-new-vocabulary-from-airborne-to-zoom/) - Seanna Watson This past March 11 marks two years since the official declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic. In the ensuing 24 months, many of us have learned new words, or found new usages for old words. Essentially, we have a new glossary of terms. Over the next couple issues, we will explore some of - [Another Thank You From TalentLift](https://centreforinquiry.ca/another-thank-you-from-talentlift/) - Thanks for helping an atheist musician and his family fleeing persecution. - [April 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2022-critical-links/) - NEWS & EVENTS: BAHACON 2022: Atheism, Humanism, Agnosticism, Skepticism, & Freethought The Cost of Religion in Canada Another Thank You from TalentLift CFIC Annual General Meeting and Strategic Plan CFIC Volunteer Opportunities CFIC’s Podcast for Inquiry Missed an Event? Check Online! April Dates of Interest SCIENCE Citizen Science Our New Vocabulary: From Airborne to Greek - [Social Giving — It’s Fun, but Is It Right?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/social-giving-its-fun-but-is-it-right/) - Sandra Dunham What is more fun than attending a gala and knowing that your favourite charity benefits? How great does it make you feel to be a member of a “100 women who care” group, and pool your money to give to the charity with the best pitch? What better way is there to teach - [Keith’s Conundrums: Possibles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-possibles/) - Examining possibles - [Thoughtful Giving and World Humanist Day](https://centreforinquiry.ca/world-humanist-day/) - One thing humanists share is a desire to leave the world somewhat better than it was when we arrived on it - [May 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2022-dates-of-interest/) - May 2022 Dates of Interest - [I’m Really Sorry … Again](https://centreforinquiry.ca/im-really-sorry-again/) - All we want is an apology. - [Keith’s Conundrums: Leibnizian Principles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-leibnizian/) - Examining possibles - [Volunteer Opportunities - Branch Managers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunities-branch-managers/) - CFIC is looking for volunteer branch managers - [Our G*ddamn Wedding](https://centreforinquiry.ca/our-gddamn-wedding/) - Using pop culture to push back against religious fundamentalism - [Critiquing an Egregious Editorial About the Pandemic ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanist-perspectives-publishes-egregious-editorial/) - The unvaccinated are more sick, require more care, and spread this disease at far greater rates.” - [Volunteer Opportunity: Podcast Editor](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-podcast-editor/) - CFIC is looking for volunteer podcast editors - [The Internet and Free Speech](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-internet-and-free-speech/) - Weighing the value of laissez faire free speech online. - [Homeopathy: A Potent Problem](https://centreforinquiry.ca/homeopathy-a-potent-problem/) - Examining the role of a popular, unproven product of alternative medicine - [Canada’s Census — Our Faulty Religion Measure](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canadas-census-our-faulty-religion-measure/) - The census overcounts religious adherence in Canada, leading to distortions in public polic - [Update from Omer — June 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-june-2022/) - Update from Omer - March 2022 - [Taxpayer Funding of Catholic Schools Must End](https://centreforinquiry.ca/taxpayer-funding-of-catholic-schools-must-end/) - Illustrating the effort to end public funding of Catholic schools. - [Ottawa Pro-Choice Protest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/pro-choice-protest-in-ottawa/) - Illustrating the effort to end public finding of Catholic schools. - [Volunteer Opportunity: Science Writers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-opportunity-science-writers/) - CFIC is looking for volunteer science writers - [August 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2022-dates-of-interest/) - August 2022 Dates of Interest - [August 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for July 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Update from Omer — August 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-august-2022/) - Update from Omer - March 2022 - [Roe v. Wade Overturned](https://centreforinquiry.ca/roe-v-wade-overturned/) - Roe v Wade overturned - [Keith’s Conundrums: Conventions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-conventions/) - Examining possibles - [Update from Omer — July 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-july-2022/) - Update from Omer - March 2022 - [July 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2022-dates-of-interest/) - June 2022 Dates of Interest - [July 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for July 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [International Humanism Conference On Social Justice](https://centreforinquiry.ca/international-humanism-conference-on-social-justice/) - Periyar International USA (has partnered with CFIC to host its 3rd International Humanism Conference on Social Justice - [A.N. 101: Introduction to Antinatalism — August 10](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-n-101-introduction-to-antinatalism/) - Discussion of the basics of antinatalism and some of its different forms - [One Public Education Now: The Fight Continues ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/one-public-education-now-the-fight-continues/) - OPEN (One Public Education Now) has raised $150,000 for the legal challenge to public funding of Ontario separate schools - now we need to raise another $200,000. - [Abortion: The Significant Change in UK’s International Human Rights Statement](https://centreforinquiry.ca/abortion-the-significant-change-in-uks-international-human-rights-statement/) - Fighting the removal of references to “sexual and reproductive rights” and “bodily autonomy” for women in the UK’s human rights statement - [Fact Checking: Not The Only Weapon in the Critical Thinking Toolbox](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fact-checking-not-the-only-weapon-in-the-critical-thinking-toolbox/) - Often the story may be true, but thinking critically about the situation may put a new spin on age-old biases. - [Keith’s Conundrums: Three Classic Paradoxes](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-three-classic-paradoxes/) - Examining three classic paradoxes - [June 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for June 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Introducing the Podcast for Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/introducing-podcast-for-inquiry/) - Sandra Dunham Have you listened to the Podcast for Inquiry yet? If not, you are missing something great. The idea for the Podcast for Inquiry was hatched in early 2021 when long-time member and supporter Lee Shields suggested that CFIC should have a media club. Add to that nugget, volunteer Matt Payne who had the - [June 2022 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2022-dates-of-interest/) - June 2022 Dates of Interest - [CFIC Annual General Meeting](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-annual-general-meeting-2022/) - CFIC AGM - [Earth Is Old. The Sun Is Old. But Do You Know What May Be Even Older Than Both? Water!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/earth-is-old-the-sun-is-old-but-do-you-know-what-may-be-even-older-than-both-water/) - Is water older than the Earth and the Sun? - [Reza, Laleh and Amir Seeking Constituent Group](https://centreforinquiry.ca/reza-laleh-and-amir-seeking-constituent-group/) - Name: Reza Khadem*Age: 47Nationality: IranLanguages spoken: Persian (primary), Arabic, English, some TurkishAccompanying family: • Laleh* (wife) — 45-years-old • Amir* (son) — 9-years-old Fled to (current location): TurkeyEx-Muslim, humanist, and atheist: Yes History: Reza is an Iranian-born secular-humanist author, blogger, and YouTubecontent-provider whose subject matter focuses on criticism of religion — primarilyIslam — and the - [Arsalan Seeking Constituent Group in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/arsalan-seeking-constituent-group-in-canada/) - Name: Arsalan NejatiAge: 36Nationality: IranLanguages spoken: Persian (primary), Turkish, and some EnglishAccompanying family: noneFled to (current location): TurkeyEx-Muslim, humanist, and atheist: Yes History:Arsalan Nejati is a 36-year-old Iranian who has been persecuted for his political viewsand social activities as an ex-Muslim, an independent author, blogger, and a memberof the Atheist and Humanist Society in Iran. - [May 2022 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-2022-critical-links/) - Critical Links for May 2022: News and Information from Centre for Inquiry Canada - [Persecuted Atheists Now Treated Equally by Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/persecuted-atheists-now-treated-equally-by-canada/) - Thanks to Canadian secular and humanist groups, Canada will no longer discriminate against refugees who are non-believers - [As Canadians Pay Their Taxes, Billions Go to Institutions Associated With Reduced Quality of Life](https://centreforinquiry.ca/more-than-just-money/) - Canadians, the Centre for Inquiry Canada releases The Cost of Religion in Canada: More Than Just Money, the final report in our five-part Cost of Religion series. - [Thinking Critically About Giving](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thinking-critically-about-giving/) - Are you looking for the perfect charitable activity? For a way to select a good charity, or a way to help that maximizes your donation and/or volunteer activity? There are many ways that people select their cause, ways that they donate, and reasons for volunteering. However, these choices can be poorly thought out, self-serving, and - [CFIC AGM 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-agm-2022/) - The following supporting documents are available for the CFIC AGM: CFIC AGM 2022 Agenda CFIC AGM 2021 Minutes Centre for Inquiry Canada - 2021 Financial Review Report CFIC 2021 Annual Report CFIC 2022 Strategic Plan - [Welcome to the Centre For Inquiry Ottawa](https://centreforinquiry.ca/welcome-to-cfi-ottawa/) - What does CFI do in Ottawa? - [Keith’s Conundrums: Detrimental Dissent](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-detrimental-dissent/) - Commentary on last month’s puzzle. Also, the puzzle of detrimental dissent. - [Less Complex Claims Petition Back on the Table](https://centreforinquiry.ca/less-complex-claims-petition-back-on-the-table/) - Humanist groups resubmit refugee policy for atheist refugee status. - [Update from Omer - December 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-december-2021/) - Update from Omer - [December 2021 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2021-critical-links-posts/) - Critical Links Articles - November 2021 - [December 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2021-dates-of-interest/) - December 2021 Dates of Interest - [October 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2021-dates-of-interest/) - October 2021 Dates of Interest - [November 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2021-dates-of-interest/) - November 2021 Dates of Interest - [Fall Conference for Inquiry 2021: Mind, Brain, and Thought](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-mind-brain-thought/) - Welcome to CFIC's second virtual conference: Mind, Brain, and Thought - [Update from Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-nov-2021/) - Update from Omer - [Remembering Tom Flynn](https://centreforinquiry.ca/remembering-tom-flynn/) - Tom Flynn, giant of American freethought, has died at age 66. - [Keith’s Conundrums: The Grim Paradox](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-the-grim-paradox/) - Answers from last month. Also, examining The Grim Paradox. - [When Will Canada Learn?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/when-will-canada-learn/) - A call to hold Canadian institutions responsible for their carnage. - [Fixing the Busing Problem](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fixing-the-bussing-problem/) - Examining the bus driver shortage and offering a solution. - [Science Resources: Blogs, Websites, and Podcasts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-resources-blogs-websites-and-podcasts/) - Gathering helpful online sources of trustworthy information. - [Volunteer Opportunity: Event Logistics Assistant](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-event-logistics-assistant/) - CFIC is currently looking for a volunteer to fill the role of Event Logistics Assistant - [Living Without Religion, by CFIC Virtual Branch](https://centreforinquiry.ca/living-without-religion-cfic-virtual-branch/) - Virtual Branch Living without Religion - [Now That We’re All Vaccinated, Just How Safe Are We?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/covid-how-safe-are-we/) - Calculating COVID infection risk using vaccine status, mask use, etc - [Keith’s Conundrums: Three Time Puzzles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-three-time-puzzles/) - Solutions to last month’s puzzle, and three time puzzles - [Thanks from TalentLift](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thanks-from-talentlift/) - [The following is a letter from the cofounders of TalentLift.] Dear CFI, We are very pleased to provide you with an update on our fundraising campaign for the talented atheist musician who TalentLift is supporting through a Canadian immigration entrepreneur visa process. Through the remarkable generosity of CFI members, we met our fundraising target of - [Mother Teresa: The Untold Story](https://centreforinquiry.ca/mother-teresa-the-untold-story/) - The popular tendency is to deify myths, gurus, and personalities without investigating the claims thoroughly. Mother Teresa is one deified name. Does Mother Teresa deserve her reputation as the most charitable person who ever lived? This book makes for a gripping but disconcerting read. Our speaker is Dr. Aroup Chatterjee, who was born and brought - [October 2021 Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2021-critical-links-posts/) - NEWS & EVENTS Living Without Religion, by CFIC Virtual Branch Mother Teresa: The Untold Story Volunteer Opportunity: Event Logistics Assistant Conference: Mind, Brain, and Thought Thanks From TalentLift SCIENCE Now That We’re All Vaccinated, Just How Safe Are We? SECULARISM & HUMAN RIGHTS Humanists Must Rally Around Afghanistan CRITICAL THINKING Keith’s Conundrums OCTOBER DATES OF - [Volunteer Opportunity: Victoria Speaker Coordinator](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-victoria-speaker-coord/) - CFIC is currently looking for a volunteer to fill the role of Victoria Speaker Coordinator - [Update from Omer (September 2021)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-september-2021/) - Continuing his recovery, Omer is starting to feel much better - [Religious Groups Should Not Get Special Treatment](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religious-groups-should-not-get-special-treatment/) - Time to end tax breaks for religious groups - [Philippines and Golden Rice](https://centreforinquiry.ca/philippines-and-golden-rice/) - A look at the first country to approve golden rice for commercial cultivation - [Seneca College Shows Leadership in Defeating Covid](https://centreforinquiry.ca/seneca-college-shows-leadership-in-defeating-covid/) - “If you want to come on a Seneca campus as of Sept 7, you must be vaccinated. Full stop.” - [To Mask or Not to Mask: Should We Leave This Question to the People?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/to-mask-or-not-to-mask-should-we-leave-this-question-to-the-people/) - Asking questions about the ideal treatment of mask requirements - [Election Call. Get in the Candidates’ Faces. Let Them Know Secular Humanists Vote!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/election-call-get-in-the-candidates-faces-let-them-know-secular-humanists-vote/) - If you are not involved with a political party, consider getting involved with your secular humanist voice - [Keith’s Conundrums: The Liar Paradox](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-the-liar-paradox/) - Solutions to last month’s puzzle. Plus, the Liar Paradox. - [September 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2021-dates-of-interest/) - August 2021 Dates of Interest - [A Quick Update on Afghanistan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-quick-update-on-afghanistan/) - The world watches in horror at the situation unfolding in Afghanistan. Find out more about what CFIC is doing, and how you can help. - [CFIC in the Media - September 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-in-the-media-sep-2021/) - Media attention for CFIC - [Help TalentLift Help Refugees](https://centreforinquiry.ca/help-talentlift-help-refugees/) - A talented atheist musician and his family, who are being persecuted for their “western ways” including non-religious beliefs, need your help. This musician intends to open a music institute in Canada. His visa application was submitted through a new Government of Canada pilot program designed to support talented refugees to access skilled visas. The musician’s case - [August 2021 Critical Links Posts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2021-critical-links-postss/) - Read all the articles from the August 2021 issue of Critical Links: Update From Omer (August 2021) CFIC in the Media Less Complex Claims Petition: August 5 Deadline Volunteer Opportunity — Toronto Branch Faith Over Facts Threatens Extending the Pandemic Making Amends to the Indigenous Community Thinking About Sponsoring a Refugee? Keith’s Conundrums Book Review: - [#WhiteWednesday: We've Power by Weave, Linen, and Women](https://centreforinquiry.ca/whitewednesday-weve-power-by-weave-linen-and-women/) - Scott Douglas Jacobsen Women around the world have been increasingly vocal, alongside many men, and rightfully so, about the injustices they face. Often, it comes tied to some theocratic leader or political ideology bent on suppression of equal rights for women. All the while giving airy, arid, and empty statements about the equality of women, - [Faith Over Facts Threatens Extending the Pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/faith-over-facts-extending-pandemic/) - Denial fuels the spread of COVID-19 and its darkest outcomes - [Update from Omer (August 2021)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-august-2021/) - This past month, Omer suffered a heart attack requiring angioplasty and insertion of a stent. There is more surgery to follow and already the bills are adding up. - [CFIC in the Media](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-in-the-media/) - Media attention for CFIC's "Cost of Religion" initiatives - [Making Amends to the Indigenous Community](https://centreforinquiry.ca/making-amends-to-the-indigenous-community/) - Encouraging Canadians to make amends to First Nations by supporting their causes - [Book Review: The Scout Mindset by Julia Galef](https://centreforinquiry.ca/book-review-the-scout-mindset-by-julia-galef/) - Reviewing Julia Galef’s The Scout Mindset - [Thinking About Sponsoring a Refugee?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thinking-about-sponsoring-a-refugee/) - Outlining how to build a team to support and sponsor a refugee in need - [August 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2021-dates-of-interest-2/) - August 2021 Dates of Interest - [Keith’s Conundrums: Peirce’s Paradox](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-peirces-paradox/) - An investigation into the function, if any, of names. - [Addressing Discrimination Against Atheist Refugee Claimants – E-Petition 3114](https://centreforinquiry.ca/discrimination-against-atheist-refugee-claimants-epetition-3114/) - Parliamentary petition to include atheist refugee claimants in the Less Complex Claims policy. - [Update from Omer (July 2021)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-july-2021/) - This past month, Omer suffered a heart attack requiring angioplasty and insertion of a stent. There is more surgery to follow and already the bills are adding up. - [Keith’s Conundrums: Naming and Possibility](https://centreforinquiry.ca/naming-and-possibility/) - An investigation into the function, if any, of names. - [Change Takes Time. Let’s Get Started.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/change-takes-time-lets-get-started/) - A call to rally the secular and demand a wall between church and state - [Residential School Graves](https://centreforinquiry.ca/residential-school-graves/) - Addressing the horrific discoveries of mass graves on residential school campuses. - [Foraging — Do It Safely](https://centreforinquiry.ca/foraging-do-it-safely/) - Examining the joys and dangers of foraging - [July 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2021-dates-of-interest/) - July 2021 Dates of Interest - [July 2021 Critical Links Posts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2021-critical-links-posts/) - Read all the articles from the July 2021 issue of Critical Links: Update From Omer Less Complex Claims Petition Moves To Next Step Foraging — Do It Safely Residential School Graves Change Takes Time. Let’s Get Started. Tax Advantages for Religious Charities Keith’s Conundrums: Naming and Possibility July Dates of Interest - [Less Complex Claims Petition Moves To Next Step](https://centreforinquiry.ca/less-complex-claims-petition-moves-to-next-step/) - Parliamentary petition to include atheist refugee claimants in the Less Complex Claims policy. - [Cost of Religion in Canada: Tax Advantages of Religious Charities](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tax-advantages-of-religious-charities/) - The fourth report in our Cost of Religion series is now available - [Science Loses in New Brunswick](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-loses-in-nb/) - By Edan Tasca Earlier this month the New Brunswick legislature began debating Bill 11, a motion to eliminate non-medical vaccine exceptions. Under the bill, students who are not vaccinated according Health Canada’s requirements would not be able to attend public schools, unless they have a medical exemption. Religious exemptions would not be acceptable. Unfortunately, the bill - [The Cost of Bad Science in the Agri-Food Industry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bad-science-in-agri-food/) - By Sandra Dunham Bayer is set to pay out $10.9 billion to settle a class action lawsuit from thousands of Americans who claim that their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was caused by the well known herbicide Roundup. Case mediator, Ken Feinberg, claims that this is the “wise” thing for Bayer to do, rather than “roll the dice in American - [Racial Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/racial-science/) - By Stephen Watson Recent years have seen a resurgence of “racial science” (the attempt to establish races as robust biological categories) and with it the attempt to ascribe the psychological and intellectual characteristics of people of different races to genetics (called “hereditarianism”). If the hereditarian thesis is correct, then the disparity in performance between black - [Anti-Black Racism in Canada: Causes, Impacts, and Remedies](https://centreforinquiry.ca/anti-black-racism-in-canada/) - Racism in Canada has many different faces. To improve equity and justice for all in Canada, we first must understand racism from differing perspectives, and find safe spaces to inquire and understand. That’s why CFIC has teamed up with Humanist Canada, Dundurn Press, and Black Artists Network in Dialogue to bring you a discussion on - [The Rohingya in Myanmar](https://centreforinquiry.ca/rohingya-in-myanmar/) - By Scott Douglas Jacobsen Human rights violations and breaches of secularism and international law on small scales remain problems. Violations on large scales inflicted wholesale upon victimized and, often, defenceless peoples is tragic, violent, and immediate, even spanning decades into long-term effects of the entire lives of most of the survivors. They may never return - [What’s Going on at the Museum of Human Rights?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/whats-going-on-at-human-rights-museum/) - By Sandra Dunham For someone committed to social justice, a job offer from the Museum of Human Rights must seem like a dream come true. However, recently we are discovering that the dream job might not have turned out as planned. First, we were stunned to learn that the museum hid the LGBTQ display from - [Keith’s Conundrums: The Cone and the Frustum](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cone-and-frustum/) - By Keith Douglas Last time, I asked if there’s anywhere else in the universe with a river of Coca-Cola. Alex B wrote to say that because of the likelihood of all combinations of basic stuffs elsewhere in the universe, there is somewhere else that has Coke. I disagree, and there are some interesting metaphysical lessons here, - [The Turkish Government’s Last Card: Hagia Sophia](https://centreforinquiry.ca/hagia_sophia/) - By Ateizm Dernegi (Association of Atheism, Turkey) Volunteers When converting the Hagia Sophia Museum into a mosque was added to the agenda of the Turkish government, we worried that this would be a sign of the governmental system being converted into a religious system. More precisely, if Hagia Sophia were opened for worship, one of the symbols of - [Stab Everyone You Love](https://centreforinquiry.ca/stab-everyone-you-love/) - By Leslie Rosenblood Vaccinations are one of humanity’s greatest medical innovations, saving over ten million lives since 2010 alone. Given their decades long track record of preventing illness in billions, why are so many skeptical about their safety and efficacy? Ten years ago, I made what I thought was an innocuous Facebook post that linked to this - [Anti-Black Racism in Canada Registration](https://centreforinquiry.ca/anti-black-racism-in-canada-registration/) - Anti-Black Racism in Canada Registration - [Racism at Home](https://centreforinquiry.ca/racism-at-home/) - By Brian Campbell With everything happening in the United States, the killing of George Floyd by a police officer, the subsequent protests, the reaction of the U.S. President, and the response from the rest of the world, I feel obliged to tell a story of a time I witnessed a blatant example of racism, right - [Racism in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/racism-in-canada/) - By Doug Skeggs The four pillars of the CFIC are secularism, scientific skepticism, critical thinking, and community building. You will note that human rights and anti-discrimination are not overtly referenced there. But I think the protection, promotion, and defence of human rights and social justice are inherently part of what it means to be a - [Are We Breaking the Culture Barrier?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/are-we-breaking-culture-barrier/) - By John Varghese “Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” — Jalaluddin Rumi I feel I have been an atheist my entire life even when I was a practicing Christian. Oxymoronic though this statement sounds, it seems a perfectly natural state of being to me! - [A Harmless Pastime?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-harmless-pastime/) - CFIC is retracting this article, as we did not sufficiently investigate some of the claims that were made. Here is a portion of the most recent statement from the American Psychological Association (APA) on the subject: "APA’s governing Council of Representatives seated a task force to review its August 2015 resolution in light - [COVID-19 by the Numbers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/covid19-by-the-numbers/) - By Seanna Watson Current COVID-19 disease and death rate, as a proportion of population: Globally: 1 in 312 has contracted COVID-19; 1 in 9260 has died Canada: 1 in 296 has contracted COVID-19; 1 in 4147 has died US: 1 in 55 has contracted COVID-19; 1 in 1812 has died As of August 30, the - [Keith’s Conundrums: Following a Contradiction](https://centreforinquiry.ca/following-a-contradiction/) - By Keith Douglas My retelling of the classic story of Hilbert's Hotel had one more point beyond “Think about infinity!” It was about how dangerous it is to think one understands something by the vividness and life-like nature of the description, and about how dangerous it is to regard "how something appears" as the be all - [Scientific American Endorses First Presidential Candidate in 175-Year History](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sci-am-presidential-endorsement/) - By Russell Pangborn Scientific American, a group that has traditionally remained neutral around presidential elections, recently broke a 175-year protocol and endorsed Joe Biden. These are unprecedented times and all supporters of a rational, secular society should take note of this cannon shot in defense of scientific inquiry and the benefits it provides to society. What - [Navigating Through the COVID Literature](https://centreforinquiry.ca/navigating-through-covid-literature/) - By Zack Dumont In past editions of Critical Links we have covered marketing and hype made in the image of the scientific process, and the ultimate impact — positive or negative — on the conclusions we draw and how we react. There are examples of influence all around us, all the time. While tuned into the - [Is There Life on Venus?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/life-on-venus/) - By Scott Douglas Jacobsen There have been some recent reports about the possibility of life on Venus. Is this an empirically verified or confirmed assertion from some recent news reportage? First things first: definitions. The question is not necessarily, “What is life?”, but rather, who studies that which has been defined as “life” on planets other - [COVID-19 by the Numbers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/covid-19-by-the-numbers-mar-2021/) - It has been over a year since the WHO declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. March 11, 2020, seems like a lifetime ago - [2020: A Year That Will Change the World](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2020-a-year-that-will-change-the-world/) - Sandra Dunham Memes abound about our race to kick 2020 to the curb. What a year it was! Nothing filled our minds more than the pandemic. But was it really that bad? According to National Geographic, we have a tendency to view every year as worse than the last. While there is no doubt it - [COVID-19 Vaccine – Not If, But When](https://centreforinquiry.ca/covid-19-vaccine-not-if-but-when/) - A pharmacist takes a look at some of the common questions and ins and outs about the COVID-19 vaccine - [La Grande Noirceur: When Church and State Unite](https://centreforinquiry.ca/la-grande-noirceur/) - By Sandra Dunham & Seanna Watson It has been said about the people of France that they are “not religious, and the religion they are not is Catholic.” In Canada, the same description can be applied to the Quebecois of French heritage. As we have seen in recent history, “secularism” in English Canada often has a different - [Is Religion’s Economic Contribution Beneficial?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/religion-economic-contribution-beneficial/) - By Sandra Dunham Recently, the Sarnia Observer printed an article from Cardus, a faith-based think tank, describing the “overall totally beneficial effect of religion on the lives of everyday Canadians,” not just the religious. For those reading only the headlines, and not noting the self-serving nature of the think tank, it appears that religion is good for the economy. - [The “Scambra”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scambra/) - By Sandra Dunham Online bra sales must be big business judging by the number of social media ads I receive. Recently, I spotted what I thought might be the bra of my dreams. It looked so comfortable that I decided to invest a few minutes to watch their video. Apparently two “women doctors” developed this bra - [Keith’s Conundrums: Wordplay](https://centreforinquiry.ca/wordplay/) - By Keith Douglas No answer on the question of non-classical logics (i.e., not the Frege-Russell logic often taught by philosophers, mathematicians, computer scientists, etc). This one is tricky — there are literally hundreds of non-classical logics. People sometimes wonder what principles one uses to literally change how one reasons. This is sometimes how the question is put, - [What Science Tells Us About Slowing Down Time](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-science-tells-us-about-slowing-down-time/) - Sandra Dunham “The truth is, time marches on and you have two choices: You move forward, come what may, and you experience all the sour and sweet things that fly at you from around corners, or you sit still. Don't sit still.” ― Suzanne Palmieri, The Witch of Little Italy Do you recall, as a - [Secular Connexion Séculière Targets Discrimination Against Atheist Refugee Claimants](https://centreforinquiry.ca/discrimination-against-atheist-refugee-claimants/) - Doug Thomas Canada’s refugee policies discriminate against atheist refugee claimants. That policy includes a Less Complex Claims (LCC) category that applies to refugee claimants from certain religions, and from certain countries. It allows them to gain refugee status without a hearing, or with a shortened hearing, but atheists are excluded. Secular Connexion Séculière (SCS) is - [Myths Around the Coronavirus](https://centreforinquiry.ca/myths-around-the-coronavirus/) - Scott Douglas Jacobsen As of as of October 25, 2020, over 9.6 million Canadians have been tested for the coronavirus with over 216,000 cases, over 24,700 active cases, and 9,900 deaths (data from the Government of Canada). Everyone knows the general recommendations coming from the Canadian Government, from their health authorities, and… from their grandmothers - [November 2020 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/november-2020-dates-of-interest/) - On November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends (with the exception of Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia and Quebec, where they are sensible enough to stay on Central Standard time all year round). In Ontario, a recent Private Members’ Bill to eliminate semi-annual time changes (moving permanently to DST) has passed second - [Keith’s Conundrums: Sound or Unsound?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-sound-or-unsound/) - Keith Douglas All of the words from last time’s list are technical terms within various scholarly fields. They are also homophonous with similar words in ordinary language. I bring this to everyone’s attention because situations where this homophony exists is a source of many contentious debates. It is also interesting to consider how the ordinary - [Expose the Hoax! (Scammies 2020)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2020-scammie-awards/) - The calendar year 2020 was a perfect example of the truth being stranger than fiction. Yet, in spite of a global pandemic, the likes of which none of us has experienced before, there was a plethora of fake news, scams, and hoaxes that were circulated to create fear and generate profit for the unscrupulous. The - [Protecting Blasphemers II](https://centreforinquiry.ca/protecting-blasphemers-ii/) - Saida Hameed, Zara Key, Susanna McIntyre, Christine Shellska, Ali Rizvi, Harris Sultan, Apostate Prophet, Seth Andrews, Leo Igwe are only some of the speakers on this year's panel. Protecting Blasphemers II is CFIC's second annual panel discussion highlighting the most recent blasphemy cases of the year. We aim to discover the areas where the global secular - [How Human Behaviour is Driving the COVID-19 Case Numbers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-human-behaviour-is-driving-the-covid-19-case-numbers/) - Sandra Dunham In my home, the dialogue about COVID-19 and the rapidly increasing case numbers follows the narrative of “Why can’t people just do the right thing? Don’t people realize that their behaviour is making this worse?” And yet, when carefully examined, our own behaviour is, at times, less than stellar. So, why, when the - [Bill 21 on Trial in Quebec](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bill-21-on-trial-in-quebec/) - Leslie Rosenblood On November 2, the Quebec Superior Court began hearing arguments for and against the constitutionality of Bill 21, which (among other things) forbids the wearing of religious symbols for many civil servants in the province. (See here for a brief history of the legal challenge of the bill to date, and here for CFIC's official stance - [Iran Executes Navid Afkari](https://centreforinquiry.ca/iran-executes-navid-afkari/) - Scott Douglas Jacobsen If you want to murder someone with an illegitimate excuse, then a decent manner in which to do so is the excuse of the State, as such, whether secular-authoritarian or theocratic. Navid Afkari was executed. Afkari was a wrestler accused of murder who had “international appeals for him to be spared.” In - [Dr. Narendra Dhabolkar: The Indian James Randi](https://centreforinquiry.ca/narendra-dhabolkar-the-indian-randi/) - John Varghese James “The Amazing” Randi’s death last month, after a lifetime of exposing charlatans and chicanery, raked up a seven-year-old wound I didn’t know I was carrying. In August 2013, a similar life of struggle against irrationality, superstition, and exploitation of the credulous ended when Dr. Narendra Dhabolkar, a mild-mannered, soft-spoken rationalist was shot - [KNOT THE ROPE](https://centreforinquiry.ca/knot-the-rope/) - Cross your arms. Pick up an end of the rope in each hand. Uncross your arms without letting go of the rope PRESTO! You have a knotted rope! - [PUT YOUR HEAD THROUGH THE PAPER](https://centreforinquiry.ca/put-your-head-through-the-paper/) - Cut the paper along the lines as shown below. PRESTO! Your head should now easily fit through the hole in the middle! - [Magic Tricks for Kids](https://centreforinquiry.ca/magic-tricks-for-kids/) - Here are a few magic tricks to go along with the CFIC Magical Solstice Celebration. KNOT THE ROPE: Place a rope or a piece of string on a flat surface, such as a table, desk, or floor. Can you pick it up with one hand on each end, then tie a knot in it? (Click - [In Memoriam: Judith Jarvis Thompson](https://centreforinquiry.ca/in-memoriam-judith-jarvis-thompson/) - Mark Maharaj The philosopher Judith Jarvis Thompson died on November 20, 2020. She was 91. Known for her work on a variety of issues in normative ethics, applied ethics, meta-ethics, and metaphysics, Thompson was professor emerita at MIT. She was the originator of the “Violinist” thought experiment used to demonstrate the concept of bodily autonomy - [Keith’s Conundrums: What Constitutes a Burger?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-what-constitutes-a-burger/) - Keith Douglas Last month, I asked about a bizarre argument that talks about its own validity and soundness. This creates, to speak sloppily, a paradoxical situation (i.e., one can derive a contradiction). Some think that one can then say: “Paradoxical, not an argument, moving on.” This is too quick, and falls afoul of one attempted - [CFIC and the Cigarette Smoking Man](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-and-the-cigarette-smoking-man/) - by Edan Tasca Meet CFIC member William Davis. He’s had a long and remarkable career acting in and directing many projects, both on the screen and on stage. But you most likely recognize Davis as the Cigarette Smoking Man (sometimes known as Cancer Man or simply the Smoking Man) from the TV series The X-Files. - [Keith’s Conundrums: Spot the Unusual](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-spot-the-unusual/) - Keith Douglas I am going to save last month’s “answers” for the February issue. I have a reason for this that will (possibly) become apparent here. Today we have a trivia challenge. But there's a twist to the questions! Or rather, to each one. Then, collectively, you might be able to see something unusual. That - [Keeping Your Humour ... While Those About You are Losing Theirs](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keeping-your-humour-2020/) - Doug Skeggs Hope for the best, survive the worst, find humor wherever you can. — Claire Scovell LaZebnik A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing. — Laura Ingalls Wilder What a year this has been. We’ve seen a global pandemic and political insanity that can only - [Introducing Assistance for Apostates (A4A)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/introducing-assistance-for-apostates-a4a/) - Introducing Assistance for Apostates (A4A), the new name for CFIC's program previously known as Secular Rescue. This program assists people who are seeking asylum as a result of being prosecuted or persecuted for apostasy, blasphemy, or criticism of religion in their current location. Aid provided may include providing information, facilitating connections with other organizations, and, - [Help us Help Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/assistance-for-apostates-omer/) - Omer is a 32-year-old Pakistani citizen fleeing religious persecution - [End-of-Life Choice: What’s Religion Got to Do With It?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/end-of-life-choices-vs-religion/) - The Government of Canada has prioritized the rights of a religious group over the rights of Canadians seeking the end of life on their own terms - [CFIC Council and Board of Directors - 2021 Elections](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-2021-elections/) - CFIC is seeking councilors and directors to start in March 2021 - [Happy Birthday, Charles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/happy-birthday-charles/) - A celebration of the life of one of our most important scientists - [Supreme Court Holds Catholic Church Responsible for Mount Cashel Abuse](https://centreforinquiry.ca/catholic-church-responsible-for-mount-cashel-abuse/) - The Catholic Church has failed in its appeal to avoid liability for abuse by priests. - [M87 Central Galactic Black Hole Halo Photographed with Event Horizon Telescope](https://centreforinquiry.ca/black-hole-halo-photographed/) - In 2019, scientists produced our first images of a black hole, from the Galaxy M87. - [Atheists Falling Through the Cracks](https://centreforinquiry.ca/atheists-falling-through-the-cracks/) - Canada should include atheism and non-belief on its list of eligible refugee claims. - [Inversion Therapy: To Be or Not To Be That Which One Condemns](https://centreforinquiry.ca/inversion-therapy/) - A twist of irony finds a former leader of conversion therapy coming out - [Conversion “Therapy”: Canada Should Ban an Immoral Non-Scientific Practice](https://centreforinquiry.ca/conversion-therapy/) - LGBT folks should not be subjected to religiously informed conversion therapy. - [March Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/march-2021-dates-of-interest/) - February 2021 Dates of Interest - [Humanist Canada Student Essay Contest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanist-canada-student-essay-contest/) - Humanist Canada is holding a student essay contest. The contest this year has been expanded to two age categories (age on May 21, 2021): Junior: 17 and under Senior: 18 to 25 Entrants can be anyone enrolled in a Canadian educational institution, as well as Canadian citizens studying abroad. Winners will be announced at an - [Quebec Superior Court Rules (Mostly) In Favour of Bill 21](https://centreforinquiry.ca/quebec-superior-court-rules-mostly-in-favour-of-bill-21/) - An exploration of the implications of the April 2021 ruling on Quebec's Bill 21 - [May is Membership Month](https://centreforinquiry.ca/may-is-membership-month/) - This May we are focusing on growing our membership. Why is this important? When we raise important topics, when we advocate for an issue, or even when we present information, your membership provides weight to our discussion. Our members are pretty amazing people. They believe in science, have an unshakable commitment to critical thinking, and - [“Re-Educating” China’s Uyghurs](https://centreforinquiry.ca/re-educating-chinas-uyghurs/) - In the Chinese province of Xinjiang, a largely Muslim ethnic group faces human rights violations - [The Problem of Loneliness](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-disease-of-loneliness/) - The UK and Japan have each created a Ministry of Loneliness, based on research that has identified isolation as an overall health concern. - [Select “No Religion” When You Complete Your 2021 Canadian Census](https://centreforinquiry.ca/select-no-religion-when-you-complete-your-2021-canadian-census/) - Tell it like it is - if you are not religious, select "no religion" on your census form - [June 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2021-dates-of-interest/) - June 2021 Dates of Interest - [Centre for Inquiry Canada Responds to the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-response-to-cccc/) - CFIC Secular Chair and Treasurer Leslie Rosenblood responds to the CCCC’s criticism of our Cost of Religion series - [Toward Maturity: Artificial Womb Technology](https://centreforinquiry.ca/artificial-womb-technology/) - Examining the scientific progress toward creating a life outside a natural womb - [Flagpole is Hardly the Biggest Waste](https://centreforinquiry.ca/flagpole-is-hardly-the-biggest-waste/) - CFIC Secular Chair and Treasurer Leslie Rosenblood responds to the CCCC’s criticism of our Cost of Religion series - [Update from Omer (June 2021)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer-june-2021/) - Sandra Dunham In case you missed it: Please see Help Us Help Omer for background information. Thank you to everyone who donates to help us help Omer. Last month we let you know that Omer was experiencing some health challenges. We are happy to report that thanks to a large donor from CFI U.S., Omer - [Keith’s Conundrums: Are We Classically Computational or Something Else?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-are-we-classically-computational-or-something-else/) - Answers from May, and a new question: Are we classically computational or something else? - [Cost of Religion in Canada — 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cost-of-religion-in-canada-2021-3/) - The third installment in CFIC's Cost of Religion series examines government subsidies - [Update from Omer (May 2021)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/update-from-omer/) - In case you missed it: Please see Help Us Help Omer for background information. Omer remains in lockdown in Nepal during the COVID-19 outbreak. Recently some significant health issues have compounded his situation. Our friends at CFI U.S. have found a donor to provide for Omer’s healthcare costs. We are happy to be able to - [Centre for Inquiry Canada Publishes First Two Reports in Cost of Religion Series](https://centreforinquiry.ca/first-two-reports-in-cost-of-religion-series/) - An introduction to CFIC’s Cost of Religion analyses: “Religious charities in Canada have used their favourable tax treatment to amass over $38,000,000,000 in wealth.” - [CFIC Spring Conference 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-spring-conference-2021/) - Welcome to CFIC's first virtual conference. Topics include: science, secularism, science fiction, and philosophy - [Keith’s Conundrums: Existential Quantifiers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-existential-quantifiers/) - Answers from April, and a puzzle about existential quantifiers: Are we in danger of proving the existence of gods by logic alone? - [Muslimish: Iran, Muslim-Minority Nation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/muslimish-iran-muslim-minority-nation/) - Scott Douglas Jacobsen GAMAAN — the Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran — conducted a survey on the attitudes of Iranians towards religion. It was done between June 6th and 21st of 2020. Over 50,000 respondents took part in the survey. Respondents were based out of Iran mostly (about 90 percent), literate, and - [Cost of Religion Report Released](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cost-of-religion-report-coming-soon/) - CFIC's new Cost of Religion Report released - [Cost of Religion in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cost-of-religion-in-canada/) - How much does the Government of Canada subsidize religion? - [Fighting Misinformation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fighting-misinformation/) - Reviewing essential fact-checking resources in the battle against bogus claims - [Keith’s Conundrums: Grounding Truth](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-grounding-truth/) - An examination of what makes a claim true - [April 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/april-2021-dates/) - April 2021 Dates of Interest - [Religious Discrimination in Hiring?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-in-the-workplace/) - An interview with an anonymous atheist who may have lost an employment opportunity because of their lack of religious belief. - [Keith’s Conundrums: What Is a Boundary?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-were-you-ever/) - If evolution has no purpose, and our organs developed according to evolution, what’s the purpose of our organs? - [Operation Christmas Child: Thinking Critically About the Gift Boxes](https://centreforinquiry.ca/operation-christmas-child-thinking-critically-about-gift-boxes/) - Sandra Dunham Every year I curse at the radio when I hear the frequent ads for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan’s Purse. This year, I heard an interview with a Samaritan’s Purse representative on our national broadcaster, CBC. I find it unfathomable that CBC would give airtime to this - [Atheist Refugees Need Your Help](https://centreforinquiry.ca/atheist-refugees-need-your-help/) - Please consider signing a petition asking the Canadian House of Commons to support atheists being persecuted abroad. - [Dear CFIC and All the Donors](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dear-cfi-canada-and-all-the-donors/) - Omer recounts his experiences over the past year as a refugee in Nepal. - [February 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/february-2021-dates-of-interest/) - February 2021 Dates of Interest - [Keith’s Conundrums: What Is the Purpose of Our Organs?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums-purpose-of-organs/) - If evolution has no purpose, and our organs developed according to evolution, what’s the purpose of our organs? - [Will You Help Omer?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/will-you-help-omer/) - By Sandra Dunham “Omer” (a pseudonym) can hardly wait to get to Canada. He is most excited about living where freedom of expression is a right. Omer has been in hiding, first in Pakistan and now in Nepal, since 2017. While in hiding, Omer has spent his free time reading and continuing his activism by - [Help us Help Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-rescue-omer/) - Omer is a 32-year-old Pakistani citizen fleeing religious persecution - [January 2021 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/january-2021-dates-of-interest/) - If you celebrate any of these, or have suggestions for upcoming celebrations or observances, please drop us a line or send a picture to CriticalLinks@centreforinquiry.ca. - [Canadian Secular Alliance Submission to the Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canadian-secular-alliance-submission-to-the-canadian-commission-on-democratic-expression/) - Leslie Rosenblood The Canadian Commission for Democratic Expression (CCDE) is a project of the Public Policy Forum, which seeks to “study and publish advice on how to prevent and mitigate the negative effects of illegal and other forms of harmful online content on democracy in Canada while encouraging robust democratic debate and dialogue.” Seven Canadian - [December 2020 Dates of Interest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/december-2020-dates-of-interest/) - If you celebrate any of these, or have suggestions for upcoming celebrations or observances, please drop us a line or send a picture to CriticalLinks@centreforinquiry.ca. - [September 2020 News and Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/september-2020-news-and-events/) - What is it like to live in hiding, knowing that people want to kill you for not accepting their religious faith? Join us on Thursday, September 10, at 8:00pm EST, as author and podcaster Ali Rizvi* interviews "Omer," a refugee being supported by CFIC. Asking questions is one of the most noble things that humans do. The - [International Aid and Homeopathy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/international-aid-and-homeopathy/) - Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) is an insect-borne tropical disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and can end with heart failure for 20-30% of those infected. There are pharmaceutical treatments available which can reduce symptoms (and have up to a 90% cure rate for infants and young children). But recently, Global Affairs Canada allocated $350,000 to send volunteer - [Critical Evaluation of Journalism: Deadly and Dangerous Pseudoscience](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-evaluation-of-journalism-deadly-and-dangerous-pseudoscience/) - Examine Media Coverage for Bias - [October 2020 News and Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/october-2020-news-and-events/) - On September 10, friends of Omer from around the globe gathered to hear author of The Atheist Muslim and podcaster, Ali Rizvi, interview Omer about his experience as an atheist escaping from persecution in Pakistan. The interview was informative as Ali provided compelling statistics showing that young people, growing up in Muslim countries, are increasingly doubting their religion. The interview - [August 2020 News and Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/august-2020-news-and-events/) - A Conversation with Aron Ra With so much going on in the world, CFIC is here to bring you this event, during which we will be asking Aron his thoughts on many prevalent topics. Join us on August 7, when Aaron will discuss his thoughts on how religion influences bigotry and racism in the world, - [Scientific Skepticism in the Age of COVID](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scientific-skepticism-age-of-covid19/) - By Doug Skeggs Scientific skepticism was the foundation of the enlightenment and the launchpad for the age of reason. We know we can trust the scientific process as a pathway to knowledge. But science is not perfect, especially right now. We have every reason to be skeptical about information circulating, wrapped in the comforting blanket - [Keith’s Conundrums: Hilbert's Hotel](https://centreforinquiry.ca/hilberts-hotel/) - By Keith Douglas To recap from last time, Democritus’ cone, as it is called, can be used (as have many of the conundrums) to reflect on idealizations, the relationship between math and the world, etc. I especially like it for the latter, because it shows actually that much of what we learned in math classes (particularly - [Anti-Black Racism in Canada Tickets](https://centreforinquiry.ca/anti-black-racism-in-canada-tickets/) - CFIC and Humanist Canada present a discussion on Anti-Black Racism in Canada (19 July 2020, 2pm EDT) Members of Centre for Inquiry Canada or Humanist Canada can register for no charge. You will be receiving an email with a URL to register for the event. If you are not a member of Centre for Inquiry - [Educational, STEM, related websites](https://centreforinquiry.ca/educational-stem-related-websites/) - Women in Engineering and Technology Netmath (Free until start of 2020 school year) Ontario education resources (Ministry of Education) STEM Village IXL Learning Ontario Nature STEM Camp TIES Guided Lessons for Evolutionary Biology Fossil colouring and activity pages Khan Academy - [Registration Complete](https://centreforinquiry.ca/abrc-regisistration-complete/) - Thank you for registering to attend this event. Information to join via Zoom will be sent to the email address you have provided. If you have not received the email within 24 hours, please contact eventregistration@centreforinquiry.ca. All proceeds from this event will go to Black Artists’ Networks In Dialogue. You can also make a donation - [July 2020 News and Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/july-2020-news-and-events/) - Update on Omer By Sandra Dunham [In case you missed it: Please see Secular Rescue: Help us Help Omer for background information.] Omer remains well, in COVID lockdown in Nepal. For over a month, we were unable to send money to Omer. However, Omer’s landlord graciously leant him money for groceries and allowed him to delay paying rent. Banks - [Happy Summer Solstice 2020](https://centreforinquiry.ca/happy-summer-solstice-2020/) - Help support the work of CFIC: Please donate, join, or volunteer - [Supplementary Material for "Medical Research in the Time of COVID-19"](https://centreforinquiry.ca/supplementary-material-for-medical-research-in-the-time-of-covid-19/) - Additional information for this meetup is available here: Cases (worksheets) - Please download and print - these will be used for hands-on exercises Slides - For your information (these will also be displayed on the Zoom screen as part of the talk) - [Why Secularists Disagree on Bill 21](https://centreforinquiry.ca/why-secularists-disagree-on-bill-21/) - By Sandra Dunham Has there been a more contentious issue for secularists in Canada than Quebec’s Bill 21? At CFIC, we’ve seen that this issue has been divisive for our secular community. We think that it is important to have a discussion about this topic, not to change minds, but to enhance our understanding of - [The Non-GMO Project](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-non-gmo-project/) - By Andrea Palmieri It seems like there are endless ways companies can use labels to promote their food products — sometimes, it can even take up most of the real estate on the package. Labelling the absence of ingredients is in right now: gluten-free, MSG-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free, carrageenan-free, soy-free… the list goes on. Many of - [Learning About the Effects of COVID-19](https://centreforinquiry.ca/learning-about-effects-covid19/) - By Sandra Dunham Alongside the medical research being conducted about COVID-19, there are a number of studies being carried out about the psychological, sociological, and mental health effects of the pandemic, social distancing, and closing of economies around the world. Many of these studies look at the effects of religion on the pandemic. It is - [Science Takes Time: Understanding Information and Misinformation About COVID-19](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-takes-time/) - By Sandra Dunham Every day I read something new about COVID-19. Some of it is clearly “snake-oil,” but some sounds very legitimate, and a host of other information seems to fall somewhere in the middle. Should I wear a mask? Wash my groceries? Will the virus hang around in the air for days? Or merely - [June 2020 News and Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/june-2020-news-and-events/) - June 2020 News and Events - [A River of Coca-Cola?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-river-of-coca-cola/) - By Keith Douglas This month’s riddle will be a simple question that was posed a few issues back: Is there anywhere — not on Earth — where there exists a river of Coca-Cola? - [Oh You Think You’re So Smart!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/oh-you-think-youre-so-smart/) - By Doug Skeggs What a bizarre world we have woken up in. Just in the past couple of days Twitter decided to put a fact-check warning on a couple of posts by the President of the United States. And the president has responded with freaky threats against the platform and others. In this information-overloaded, post-truth - [Supreme Court of Canada Declines to Hear Appeal to Suspend Quebec's “Secularism” Law](https://centreforinquiry.ca/supreme-court-of-canada-declines-to-hear-appeal-to-suspend-quebecs-secularism-law/) - By Leslie Rosenblood Secularism has several definitions, and confusion can result if people do not have a common understanding of how it is being used. CFIC supports political secularism, defined as government neutrality in matters of religion; that is, the state should neither support nor suppress religious expression. Quebec's Bill 21, regrettably generally referred to as its - [Where Is God in All of This?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/where-is-god-in-all-of-this/) - By Mark DeWolf A glaring omission in the flood of news reports and opinion pieces concerning the spread and deadliness of the COVID-19 virus is a probing examination of how religion plays into the current worldwide crisis. When such an important topic is nowhere discussed, one cannot help but wonder if such a discussion would - [Musings on the Impact of COVID-19 on Churches and Religiosity](https://centreforinquiry.ca/musings-on-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-churches-and-religiosity/) - By Doug Skeggs I happened to be in our back garden this past Sunday morning and heard bells ringing from one of the churches across the Muskrat River. It got me thinking about my neighbours and others in our community who typically attend church services every Sunday, and wondering how they’re doing. Attending church is - [Complex Problems Tend to Have Complex Solutions: Why We Need Scientific Thinking About COVID-19](https://centreforinquiry.ca/complex-problems-tend-to-have-complex-solutions-why-we-need-scientific-thinking-about-covid-19/) - By Zack Dumont In a past edition of Critical Links we talked about the value of using a common research tool — PICO — to help critically app raise science news. With this tool, a reader can think skeptically/critically about the following: P – Was this a patient/population of interest? Who is included? Who is excluded? Who will this study - [Fecal Transplants: An “Alternative” Medical Treatment that Actually Works … but Don’t Try It at Home](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fecal-transplants-an-alternative-medical-treatment-that-actually-works-but-dont-try-it-at-home/) - By Andrea Palmieri The human gut microbiome and its relationship to disease is an excitingly new and rapidly evolving field of study. Over the last couple of decades, rapid advances in genetic technology and bioinformatics methodology have led to greater insight and appreciation of the microorganisms inhabiting the human body. More and more research scientists - [Examining Randomness (Part 1 & 2)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/examining-randomness/) - Examining Randomness - [Navigating Mountain Roads and a Global Pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/navigating-mountain-roads-and-a-global-pandemic/) - Mountain Roads and a Global Pandemic - [Language , Reading, E books](https://centreforinquiry.ca/language-reading-e-books/) - VocabularySpellingCity Epic The Easy French (for homeschoolers) - [Art and history museum(Virtual tours and/or activities)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/art-and-history-museumvirtual-tours-and-or-activities/) - Google Art and Culture The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, United States Vatican Museum Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain British Museum, London, United Kingdom The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London - [Connecting Socially While Distancing Physically](https://centreforinquiry.ca/connecting-socially-while-distancing-physically/) - By Sandra Dunham I hate the term “social distancing”. We’re not really being asked to distance ourselves socially from the people who matter most to us. In fact, I don’t recall a time when it was more important that we be socially connected. What is really being asked of us is that we physically distance ourselves. We - [A Seinfeldian Situation for Sex in Indonesia: Or, “No Sex for You!”](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-seinfeldian-situation-for-sex-in-indonesia-or-no-sex-for-you/) - By Scott Douglas Jacobsen One of the most peculiar, and comprehensible, sources of moral opprobrium throughout human history is sex and sexuality, especially as regards female sexual functions and sexual pleasure. In Indonesia, the case remains much the same as in other parts of human history. Perhaps this can be seen as history as usual - [CFIC Aims to Bring the “Social” Back to Social Distancing … From a Safe Distance, of Course](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-aims-to-bring-the-social-back-to-social-distancing-from-a-safe-distance-of-course/) - By Zack Dumont As everyone adjusts to the exceedingly rapid change and shocking disruption in the world in front of us, we wanted to take a break from the usual Critical Links format and provide only a brief update, with a promise of more to come. This gives our many volunteer authors the opportunity to - [Virus Nonsense, Starting Early](https://centreforinquiry.ca/virus-nonsense-starting-early/) - By Sandra Dunham It is amazing that people truly believe that COVID-19 can be cured with tinctures or oils, can be prevented by gargling, or that it is a conspiracy of epic proportions. Nonetheless, this is the unfortunate case. Often, we even prefer not to share the ridiculous claims that we hear, for fear that - [How Many Possible Fat Men Are in That Doorway?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-many-possible-fat-men-are-in-that-doorway/) - How Many Possible Fat Men Are in That Doorway? - [“Draw Your Own Conclusions,” Mayor Says After Skeptic Turfed From Speaking at Conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/draw-your-own-conclusions-mayor-says-after-skeptic-turfed-from-speaking-at-conference/) - By David Richards Feb 18, 2020—Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said Patrick Moore — a skeptic about the existence of gravity — should have been able to speak at an upcoming physics conference in the city. Moore will instead speak at a Rebel Media-organized event on May 19th at the Conexus Arts Centre, the day before - [Twilight of the Golden Calf: A Denouement of the Dominant](https://centreforinquiry.ca/twilight-of-the-golden-calf-a-denouement-of-the-dominant/) - By Scott Douglas Jacobsen Canadian society, since its inception, has placed faith-based organizations or religious institutions on a privileged or special pedestal, where the emphasis existed on the dominant Christian religion and the domineering denomination of Roman Catholicism followed by Protestantism. If you’re looking to question this dominant position and fundamental tenets in a critical - [M-m-m-my Corona: Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus and its Misinformation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/m-m-m-my-corona-protecting-yourself-from-coronavirus-and-its-misinformation/) - By Zack Dumont Though tragic at the time, and still today, past outbreaks — such as SARS in 2003 — have taught the global healthcare community much about handling epidemics. Because of those outbreaks there exist sophisticated systems to detect, trace, contain, and stop the spread of epidemics. Thankfully, we’re seeing those systems in action - [Getting blood from a stone? Fossil preservation and misconceptions.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/getting-blood-from-a-stone-fossil-preservation-and-misconceptions/) - Details February 12th, 2020 marked 211 years since the birth of Charles Darwin. CFIC Ottawa celebrated (the next day) with a get-together including a talk on fossils by Carleton University PhD student Dana Korneisel. Dana gave us an animated informative talk on her research into the possibility of fossilized blood. We started at 7pm - [CFIC Member to Give Public Talk on Anti-Vaxxers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-member-to-give-public-talk-on-anti-vaxxers/) - By Leslie Rosenblood In August 2010, I asked, in a Facebook post , “Why is vaccination vilified by so many?”, linking to a clever Penn & Teller segment from their show Bullshit! It was intended as a rhetorical question. It led to a months-long online debate about the merits of national immunization programs (they're very good), and ultimately inspired the creation of my - [Taiwan, the Asia Pioneer, Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage](https://centreforinquiry.ca/taiwan-the-asia-pioneer-legalizes-same-sex-marriage/) - By Scott Douglas Jacobsen The movement for human rights continues in an asynchronous and bumpy progression forward more than backward. In this progression, we can see regional and national differences. Some regions regress while others progress; same for nations. One of the more noteworthy cases is the increase in equal rights for the LGBTQ community. - [Philippines Approves Golden Rice](https://centreforinquiry.ca/philippines-approves-golden-rice/) - By Andrea Palmieri Philippines has joined Canada, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand in affirming the safety of golden rice, by approving it for direct use as food, feed, and in food processing. Living in a developing country that relies on rice as a major food source and where vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is endemic, Filipinos will significantly - [Author talk: Democracy, Deity, and Death](https://centreforinquiry.ca/author-talk-democracy-deity-and-death/) - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 Author talk: Democracy, Deity, and Death Dr Qais Ghanem discussed his recent book, Democracy, Deity, and Death. The novel describes a series of discussions among 4 Arabs, with completely different religious backgrounds and beliefs, who meet regularly at a London café. The fictional participants include a young devout Muslim from - [Sandra's Enigma](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sandras-enigma/) - What has 4 letters, occasionally has 12 letters, usually has 7 letters but never has 5 letters. warning: Comments contain answers and spoilers - [Does Social Media Drive Us Toward a Digital Version of the Dark Ages?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/does-social-media-drive-us-toward-a-digital-version-of-the-dark-ages/) - By Gleb Lisikh As the World Wide Web grows, uncensored and unfiltered information becomes more accessible even to the most isolated and censored parts of the world. This should contribute to learning and education in masses, as well as promote open-mindedness and tolerance, right? Well… there seems to be another side to this. The social - [How Do You Choose a Charity?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-do-you-choose-a-charity/) - By Sandra Dunham December is the unofficial month of giving. Many people give in December, possibly because they are in the giving mood. Or because they are trying to make their donation when the promise of the tax saving is more imminent than at other times of the year. Or maybe the hype of Giving - [BC Atheist Beats Mandatory AA](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bc-atheist-beats-mandatory-aa/) - By Leslie Rosenblood In the July 2019 edition of Critical Links , we told you about Byron Wood, an atheist nurse and alcoholic. He wanted to attend a rehabilitation program that was non-theistic in nature. His union did not provide one, and when he did not complete the Alcoholics Anonymous program because he refused to turn his - [Church of Atheism Denied](https://centreforinquiry.ca/church-of-atheism-denied/) - By Leslie Rosenblood All Canadian charities must declare their primary purpose when they register with the Canada Revenue Agency; approximately 40 percent of Canadian charities exist for the “advancement of religion.” The Church of Atheism of Central Canada applied for charitable status under the “advancement of religion” category. Its request was denied by the CRA, - [Vaccine Roundup: January 2020](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vaccine-roundup-january-2020/) - By Seanna Watson Polio eradication: Two down, one to go. Let's start with some good news. A wild poliovirus strain has now been declared eradicated. Poliovirus Type 3 was officially declared eradicated by the WHO in October of 2019, four years after the eradication of Type 2. Only Type 1 still remains in the wild. (Read more here .) Unvaccinated - [Peer Review Works](https://centreforinquiry.ca/peer-review-works/) - By Sandra Dunham CFIC member and retired accountant John Manuel took the raw data provided in CFIC's first report on the cost of religion in Canada, and concluded that our numbers understated the tax savings for donations to charities whose self-declared primary purpose is “Advancement of Religion.” Mr. Manuel and I reviewed the numbers and determined that the - [What is there more of?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-is-there-more-of/) - Are there more possible a) pieces of Western-style music (in standard notation), b) books written in English, c) genomes for living things on Earth, or d) games of chess (FIDE)? Show your work! (And beware the type-token distinction!) - [Joan and the Single String](https://centreforinquiry.ca/joan-and-the-single-string/) - A good friend of mine is a cellist. We talk from time to time about the nature of her instrument, and as I don’t know much about music and she doesn’t know much physics we have a hard time understanding each other in these conversations. In order to understand the cello, I started by the - [Celebrating the end of Blasphemy laws in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/celebrating-the-end-of-blasphemy-laws-in-canada/) - December 10 at the Fox and Feather we celebrated the end of blasphemy laws in Canada. On December 13, 2018, Canada's blasphemy law was repealed, with the passage of Bill C-51. December 10 is also the 71st anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Kevin Brown gave us a brief talk about - [Sobriety, Addiction Treatment, and Secular Exclusion (Part Two)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sobriety-addiction-treatment-and-secular-exclusion-part-two/) - By Christjahn Beck [ Click to read this article from the beginning .] Let’s start with my second point, that AA (which I will focus on as a case study rather than try to individually address all 12-step programs) just doesn’t work. I want to begin here because I know that this claim will strike some people - [Book Review: Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam , by Yasmine Mohammed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/book-review-unveiled-how-western-liberals-empower-radical-islam-by-yasmine-mohammed/) - By Gus Lyn-Piluso “ All those interested in how humans overcome adversity must read this book. Yasmine is one of the bravest people of our time. She is a shining example to all of us.” — Ayaan Hirsi Ali First-generation Canadian children often complain about feeling trapped between two worlds. At home, they live in the world - [Vaccine Roundup](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vaccine-roundup/) - By Seanna Watson The first vaccine, a preventive treatment for smallpox, was developed in the late 1700s. Over the years, vaccines have revolutionized medicine, saving millions of lives . Yet in the past few years, we have seen an increase of people who are opposed to vaccines. The rate of philosophical exe mptions for children in alternative public - [Y2K: 20/20 Hindsight 20 Years Later](https://centreforinquiry.ca/y2k-20-20-hindsight-20-years-later/) - By Seanna Watson Twenty years ago, we were on the cusp of a new millennium. (Yes, I know that there are pedants who assert that the actual start of this millennium was January 1st, 2001, since there was no year “zero.” But I think most people were on the side of the “odometerists.” What they - [The Tragedy of the Commons](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-tragedy-of-the-commons/) - By Sandra Dunham I have enjoyed the dramatic sound of this term since I first heard it studying undergraduate economics in the 1980s. Throughout the ensuing 30+ years, I have seen this tragedy play out many times and I am currently witnessing it firsthand with CFIC. The tragedy of the commons is a concept that was popularized - [Winter Solstice & Secular Holiday Brunch](https://centreforinquiry.ca/winter-solstice-secular-holiday-brunch/) - Sunday, December 22, 2019 12pm come celebrate the holiday season, the first morning of the winter solstice, the end of Saturnalia, and the eve of both HumanLight and Festivus with free-thinkers, atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, those questioning their faith, and others who are no longer part of a religious community. This won't be a traditional - [Making sense of medical research reporting in the media](https://centreforinquiry.ca/making-sense-of-medical-research-reporting-in-the-media/) - Dr. Michael Allen will cover the common types of health research methods that deal with therapies, and how that research is used to develop national guideline recommendations. - [Evolution & Science Pub Quiz - 160th anniversary of Darwin's Origin of Species](https://centreforinquiry.ca/evolution-science-pub-quiz-160th-anniversary-of-darwins-origin-of-species/) - On 24 November, 1859, Charles Darwin started the evolution revolution when he published his book "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Origin_of_Species We celebrated this groundbreaking accomplishment with a pub quiz Sunday November 24, 2019. Teams of 2-3 competed for bragging rights. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="16" gal_title="Darwin Origin of Species 160 - [Ottawa Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil 2019 (TDoR)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ottawa-trans-day-of-remembrance-vigil-2019-tdor/) - Facebook Event Page: Facebook TDOR Details (please see Facebook event page for up to date information): "We gather on unceeded land to remember those who were murdered due to transphobic violence in the last year. 5:30 Gathering 5:45 Speakers 6:10 Reading the names of those we lost and a moment of silence 6:30 Move to - [Presenting a Secular Perspective at a Catholic Conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/presenting-a-secular-perspective-at-a-catholic-conference/) - By Leslie Rosenblood The Cardus Institute is "a non-partisan, faith-based think tank and registered charity dedicated to promoting a flourishing society through independent research, robust public dialogue, and thought-provoking commentary." Its employees are primarily Catholic, and its mission is to "translate the richness of the Christian faith tradition into the public square for the common good." In - [A Small Victory for Atheist Soldiers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-small-victory-for-atheist-soldiers/) - By Major (Ret.) Tony Keene CD The recent decision by the commander of 32 Canadian Brigade Group to end regimental church parades is to be lauded, not bemoaned. Christie Blatchford's recent column in The National Post gives the impression that Col. Dan Stepaniuk has ordered his soldiers to stay away from church. The outraged heading says so almost explicitly. - [LGBTQ Rights: Eyes on Brunei](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lgbtq-rights-eyes-on-brunei/) - By Scott Jacobsen Under attack in the United States and elsewhere, LGBTQ rights will remain an existential issue for some time. Another nation noted for its discrimination and standard prejudice against the LGBTQ community is Brunei. As Vice has reported , Brunei has recently imposed a new anti-LGBTQ law so brutal that it endorses the use of whipping and - [Why Does It Matter?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/why-does-it-matter/) - By Sandra Dunham When I tell people that I am for secularism, friends often agree, but then ask, “Why does it matter?” Let’s be clear. I am happy for individuals to choose to belong to a religious group and I hope that they are comforted by their belief system and the people they meet in - [Ultra-processed Food and Weight Gain](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ultra-processed-food-and-weight-gain/) - By Sandra Dunham Is there a topic more discussed than diet? Do you ever wonder what is true and what is not true? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health, published in the July issue of Cell Metabolism , examined the effects of highly processed foods on weight. The study randomly divided subjects into two groups. One - [500 People Misrepresenting Climate Change](https://centreforinquiry.ca/500-people-misrepresenting-climate-change/) - By Seanna Watson In late September, a group of 500 “prominent scientists and professionals” sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General declaring that there is no climate emergency . Several science groups have followed up on this. The Climate Feedback website provides an extensive scientific analysis . In summary, they found the scientific credibility of these claims to be - [How the Climate Change Denial Movement is Funded](https://centreforinquiry.ca/how-the-climate-change-denial-movement-is-funded/) - By Sandra Dunham While scientists have relentlessly researched and reported on the unmistakable impact of humans on climate change, an equally relentless counterargument has claimed that climate change does not exist, and/or that climate change is naturally occurring with no human effect. Have you ever wondered how people can persist in the counterargument in light - [A conversation, a challenge, a risk.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/unhol/) - Should women abandon religion? - [Counter Protest the "Life Chain"](https://centreforinquiry.ca/counter-protest-the-life-chain/) - Small teams of 2-3 people counter-protested the anti-choicers using signs, flags, banners, costumes, bubbles, pot-banging, vuvuzelas, drums and other visual, auditory, and psychological distractors for 1.5 hours on a Sunday afternoon. CFIC Ottawa supported our local Abortion rights Defense Group against religious picketers. - [Support Abortion Rights Defense League](https://centreforinquiry.ca/support-abortion-rights-defense-league/) - Several of us from CFIC Ottawa helped protest the religious anti-abortion group. Kevin Brown held the "Honk 4 Choice" sign which was effective in drawing support. Celebrate the end of 40 Days for Life 2019 with a counter protest. See Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/CFI-ottawa/events/266078699/ - [2016 Calgary Pride Parade](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2016-calgary-pride-parade/) - Join us for CFI Calgary's 6th year of participation in the Calgary Pride Parade on Sunday, September 4, 2016. - [A Talk by Gary Bauslaugh - Assisted Death in Canada - What Went Wrong](https://centreforinquiry.ca/gary-bauslaugh-assisted-death-in-canada/) - Date: Thursday, September 29th, 2016 Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm Location: Mount Royal University, Room EA 1004 (Faculty of the Arts) (see map below) Cost: free for CFI and MRU Secular Humanists members (with card) and $10 for the general public View this event on Meetup. Gary Bauslaugh is the author of three books related to assisted - [Canadian Taxpayers Funding the Advancement of Religion: Part 1](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canadian-taxpayers-funding-the-advancement-of-religion-part-1/) - How much does the Government of Canada subsidize religion? Over the next year, CFIC will be reviewing Canada Revenue Agency data to bring you the answer to this important question. In 2017, subsidizing religious charities through charitable tax rebates cost Canadians in excess of $2 billion. It was more than the entire national student grant - [Tony Ortega & Paulette Cooper: The Unbreakable Miss Lovely](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scientology-vs-paulette-cooper-tony-ortega/) - On June 22nd, Paulette and Tony unearthed Scientology’s secrets. - [Richard Carrier at CFIC T.O. Oct. 23rd](https://centreforinquiry.ca/richard-carrier-at-cfic-toronto/) - On Friday October 23rd Dr. Carrier didn't find Jesus at OISE's auditorium. - [Jerry Coyne was at CFIC T.O. on June 10th, 2015](https://centreforinquiry.ca/jerry-coyne/) - Jerry presented his new book "Faith vs. Fact" and signed copies after the lecture. We sold out of his book. - [Raheel Raza presented Honor Diaries](https://centreforinquiry.ca/raheel-raza-presents-honor-diaries-at-cfic-t-o/) - Culture is no excuse for abuse. - [Winter Solstice Fundraising Dinner at CFIC T.O.](https://centreforinquiry.ca/annual-winter-solstice-fundraising-dinner-at-cfic-t-o/) - Celebrate Axial Tilt being the Reason for the Season! Have a Merry Hitchmas! - [Dr. Ben Goldacre was in Toronto, Sunday May 15th](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dr-ben-goldacre-in-toronto-sunday-may-15th/) - Bad Science. Bad Pharma. Good times with this MD and academic who exposes the misuse of science and statistics. - [The Atheist Muslim: with Ali A. Rizvi and Faisal Al Mutar](https://centreforinquiry.ca/rizvi_mutar/) - On Islam, Trump, and the growing explosion of non-belief in Muslim societies - [Keith's Conundrums](https://centreforinquiry.ca/keiths-conundrums/) - In each month's Critical Links, I will pose a “funny problem”. Some will be paradoxes; some will be weird things to think through. Generally they will have a popular science and philosophy feel, though some are taken from undergraduate-level discussions as well. Feel free to write back with comments, questions, and any feedback you wish. - [Federal Election Viewing Party](https://centreforinquiry.ca/federal-election-viewing-party/) - 2019 was one of the closest elections in Canadian history, and Monday was an exciting evening. Members of the Centre for Inquiry (CFI Ottawa) at the Fox and Feather Pub, 283 Elgin Street October 21, 2019 were in the Den (second floor back room behind the bar) watching and discussing. - [Skepticamp Ottawa 2019](https://centreforinquiry.ca/skepticamp-ottawa-2019/) - Skepticamp is a user-driven mini-conference on science, skepticism and critical thinking. Skepticamps, modeled on the BarCamp approach of non-curated, user-driven content and participation, are entertaining, educational, and informative events in a relaxed environment. The overall theme is science, skepticism, and critical thinking. Talks this year include: Critical thinking - Alex Berjawsky; Evolution and Morality - - [Let's Celebrate The International Year Of The Periodic Table](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lets-celebrate-the-international-year-of-the-periodic-table/) - author/cfi-ottawa/ The United Nations has designated 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev’s discovery of the periodic system (https://www.iypt2019.org/). CFIC Ottawa joins celebrations around the world with a presentation on the history of the periodic table and some - [2019 CFIC Ottawa garage sale](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2019garagesale/) - It was a beautiful day in Ottawa June 9th for our second garage sale. - [CFIC Ottawa At Pride 2019](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-ottawa-at-pride-2019/) - Ottawa Pride 2019 - [Lies, Damned Lies, and Big Data; Tips for Critical Reading of Statistics in the Media;](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lies-damned-lies-and-big-data-tips-for-critical-reading-of-statistics-in-the-media/) - Jason gave an excellent talk on the ways statistics are presented in the media can deceive and how to use critical thinking skills to see through the deception. - [Losing Our Religion Movie Screening and Discussion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/losing-our-religion-movie-screening-and-discussion/) - CFIC Ottawa presented a screening of the documentary film "Losing Our Religion" which follows the lives and careers of clergy members who have come to lose their faith, exploring how they came to these conclusions. (See http://www.losingourreligion.ca/ for more information.) A lively discussion followed. See https://www.meetup.com/CFI-ottawa/events/263381740/ - [Buridan’s Ass, or How to be Rational by Being Arbitrary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/buridans-ass/) - A donkey comes to two bales of hay, equally far from him and equal in size, quality, etc. He does not know how to decide between the two bundles of enticing food, and starves to death while vacillating endlessly between the two options. What should the donkey have done? Fields to think about: decision theory, - [Sobriety, Addiction Treatment, and Secular Exclusion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sobriety-addiction-treatment-and-secular-exclusion/) - by Christjahn Beck Hi, my name is Christjahn Beck and I’m an alcoholic. This very familiar greeting formula is the way that I introduced myself to rooms full of strangers for a short time in my life. I am also a recent transplant from the United States to Canada, the child of two ministers, and - [A Puzzle about Measurements](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-puzzle-about-measurements/) - A traditional ammeter shows the intensity of an electric current with the angular position of a pointer on a dial; in other words as a ratio of two lengths. A mercury or ethanol thermometer shows ambient temperature by the length of the column of liquid. A balance shows two bodies have different weights via the - [CFIC Discusses Bangladesh with UNHCR and ORF](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-discusses-bangladesh-with-unhcr-and-orf/) - CFIC met with UNHCR, ORF and Global Affairs Canada to discuss the targeting of atheist writers in Bangladesh - [Canada's Office of Religious Freedom](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canadas-office-of-religious-freedom/) - CFI Canada's second meeting with Ambassador Andrew Bennett of the ORF - [CFI Canada at the Office of Religious Freedom's EAC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-at-office-of-religious-freedom-eac/) - CFI Canada at the inaugural meeting of EAC - [Gender Dysphoria: An introduction](https://centreforinquiry.ca/gender-dysphoria-an-introduction/) - By Diane Bruce Gender dysphoria, also known by the terms gender incongruence and transgenderism , is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its International Classification of Disease as “a marked and persistent incongruence between an individual’s experienced gender and the assigned sex.” In North America, the term gender dysphoria is more common, and is used in the latest version of the - [Flat Earth Misconceptions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/flat-earth-misconceptions/) - Though it seems difficult to comprehend, there are apparently still people who, in all seriousness, believe that the world is flat, and all evidence presented to the contrary is just part of a huge conspiracy. The recent documentary “Behind the Curve” follows the lives of a few prominent flat earthers (the Flat Earth Society of - [Global Warming vs Climate Change](https://centreforinquiry.ca/global-warming-vs-climate-change/) - Global warming refers to the increase in the average global temperature. Climate change refers to the changes in long-term weather patterns including precipitation, droughts, and other severe weather events. Global warming has caused climate change. The two terms are related but not interchangeable. Want to know more? 5 Climate Change misconceptions and for additional resources, - [Could Earth Collide with an Asteroid?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/could-earth-collide-with-an-asteroid/) - Asteroids are left over material from the formation of the solar system which primarily orbit around the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Occasionally due to perturbations in the orbit due to gravity influences an asteroid will swing into an orbit close to that of the earth. Such an asteroid hit the earth 66 million years - [Brief Overview of GMOs](https://centreforinquiry.ca/brief-overview-of-gmos/) - In Canada, we live in a society where we can walk into any grocery store and find an immense variety of safe, high-quality produce grown in different continents available for our consumption. We also live in a society that relies heavily on the internet for sources of information, which is plagued with a myriad of - [Vaccines Cause Optimism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vaccines-cause-optimism/) - A question posed by a parent in an antivaccine Facebook group: Measles was declared “eliminated” in Canada in 1998, and in the US in 2000. Perhaps this has caused people to become complacent, which has enabled the antivaccine movement to gain a foothold to the extent that several countries in Europe have recently lost their - [Evolution: It's Not Just About Darwin](https://centreforinquiry.ca/evolution-its-not-just-about-darwin/) - By the time Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859, speculations about biological “transmutation” and the relations between various groups of organisms had already been in circulation for decades. The broad outline of the geological timetable was known by 1850, and while confident assignment of the exact numbers would have to wait - [The First Rule of Soap Club: Don’t Analyze Our Claims](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-first-rule-of-the-soap-club/) - By Zack Dumont I don’t even need to provide an example. We’ve all seen it before. I’m referring to the lofty claim that some new and/or improved soap “kills 99.9% of bacteria”. In the spirit of Scientific Literacy week, I’d like to share what goes through my mind when I see claims like this. My - [Science Literacy Week 2019](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-literacy-week-2019/) - September 16-22, 2019 is Science Literacy Week. This week, CFIC members are sharing their knowledge about Science Literacy. We hope you will also share your science literacy information with us in the comments on this article or in the specific posts. If you ever wonder “is it science?” check out our info graphic to find - [Multi-purposing a Common Science Tool for Critical Appraisal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/multi-purposing-a-common-science-tool-for-critical-appraisal/) - By Zack Dumont Healthcare and medical literature is fraught with limitations: It’s complex, vulnerable to various interpretations, and ultimately not well served by fleeting headlines. To effectively translate the knowledge uncovered in a research study into clinical practice, one must first determine whether the research methods are valid (i.e., did they conduct a good study?) - [Florida Clean Energy Company’s Hydrogen 2.0 Claims Stirring Doubt and Skepticism in New Brunswick](https://centreforinquiry.ca/florida-clean-energy-companys-hydrogen-2-0-claims-stirring-doubt-and-skepticism-in-new-brunswick/) - By Allan Carter NB Power, the province of New Brunswick’s power utility, has been raising some eyebrows over a decision to invest in a technology with unproven claims that it will produce clean energy through a new hydrogen-energy process called Hydrogen 2.0. According to CBC News, NB Power has invested $13 million in licensing fees - [NO SCIENCE - NO EVIDENCE - NO TRUTH - NO DEMOCRACY](https://centreforinquiry.ca/no-science-no-evidence-no-truth-no-democracy/) - Death of Evidence March - July 2012 - [A More Secular Government is Up to Us](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-more-secular-government-is-up-to-us/) - By Sandra Dunham Often, we think that government could change the way a country thinks, acts, and behaves, by amending or passing legislation. It seems to me that the opposite is true. Citizens change the way they think, act, and behave, and then government changes legislation. Why do I put this hypothesis forward? Because the - [Amending the Criminal Code for Hate Speech](https://centreforinquiry.ca/amending-the-criminal-code-for-hate-speech/) - By Leslie Rosenblood In the wake of the mosque shooting in Quebec, another in New Zealand, multiple attacks against synagogue congregations in the United States, and the bombing of Christian houses of worship in Sri Lanka, the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights decided to look into online hate speech, - [A really useful machine](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a-really-useful-machine/) - The other day someone came to me and asked my advice concerning the potential purchase of a new machine. It was meant to help with the following problem: Software often gets into a state in which people do not know whether certain features or functions ever get used or are even reachable by “flows” through - [Stop Faith Based Bigotry: Canada’s Only Charity for Science and Secularism Defends Ottawa Pride Week Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/capital-pride-week-2019/) - Stop Faith Based Bigotry: Canada’s Only Charity for Science and Secularism Defends Ottawa Pride Week Events Ottawa – When Mark J. Maharaj, member of Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC), heard that protesters were threatening Ottawa’s Family Pride Picnic, he turned to CFIC’s Ottawa members to help make the event a safe one. The CFIC is - [Prediction, Scientific Realism, and Testing Kids](https://centreforinquiry.ca/prediction-and-testing/) - I didn’t manage to get a July Conundrum in, and nobody had much to say about the June one. I press on with one that educational policy people should really think hard about. (HINT!) Predict the next value in this sequence: 0, 1, 1, 3, 2, 5, 3, 7, 4, … Now, imagine data from - [Unplanned](https://centreforinquiry.ca/unplanned-movie/) - Now showing at a theatre near you: Unplanned, based on the story of a former director of a Planned Parenthood who becomes converted from feminist pro-choice champion to zealous anti-choice advocate. Articles in Maclean’s and The Walrus review the movie here and here and CBC News discusses how a low-budget, poorly reviewed movie (which some have - [Contre le projet de loi québécois C21](https://centreforinquiry.ca/contre-le-projet-de-loi-quebecois-c21/) - Le Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC) dénonce le projet de loi C21 sur la laïcité - [Against Quebec’s Bill C21](https://centreforinquiry.ca/against-quebecs-bill-c21/) - CFIC denounces Quebec’s so-called secularism law, Bill 21 - [Defunding Separate School Boards: Rhetoric and Reality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/defunding-separate-school-boards/) - Three Canadian provinces still provide public funding for religious schools - [Bald man with no hair?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/bald-man-with-no-hair/) - I am a bald man with hair I am a man who is clearly not bald: I have lots of hair on my head. A man with no hair is clearly bald. This seems to be true by definition of “bald”. However, it seems also to be true that if our cue-ball like man had - [Barry's Powerbook](https://centreforinquiry.ca/barrys-powerbook/) - Barry's Powerbook - [Secularism Discussion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-discussion/) - A secular society is the key to creating a more peaceful and integrated society - [Kids for Inquiry held during Skepticamp 2019](https://centreforinquiry.ca/kids-for-inquiry-held-during-skepticamp-2019/) - During Ottawa's Skepticamp 2019, Seanna Watson and Hilary Brown both volunteered to run a KFI. Much fun was had by all building 'squishy circuits'. Kudos to both! [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="3" gal_title="KFI April 13, 2019"] - [Skepticamp 2019 photos](https://centreforinquiry.ca/skepticamp-2019-photos/) - Photos from April 13, 2019 Skepticamp held in Ottawa [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="2" gal_title="Ottawa Skepticamp April 13, 2019"] - [CFIC Logo Designs](https://centreforinquiry.ca/new-cfic-logo-designs/) - CFIC unveils logo concepts! - [The Meaning of 'Is'](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-meaning-of-is/) - Conundrum - March 2019: The Meaning of 'Is' ## Pages - [Welcome to the Centre for Inquiry (CFIC) Website](https://centreforinquiry.ca/) - Webinar: Veganism, Animal Activism and Duck Hunting Watch this video and see what we're all about! - [Catch Up On Our Curated YouTube Videos](https://centreforinquiry.ca/education/cfi-library/cfic-video-library/) - Explore Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC)’s video library, featuring engaging discussions, expert presentations, workshops, and public events. From most recent to oldest, these recordings highlight CFIC’s ongoing work to promote critical thinking, secular values, and evidence-based inquiry. To watch episodes of Podcast for Inquiry (PFI), please visit https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquiry/. CFI Canada is a CRA-Registered Educational Charity - [About](https://centreforinquiry.ca/about/) - [Thank You Thursday](https://centreforinquiry.ca/givingtuesday/) - Thank You Thursday Centre for Inquiry Canada relies on you; our members, our donors, our volunteers and our readers, to help us achieve our mission. We know 2020 was a challenging year for most of you. Thank you for being with us this year. GivingTuesday Recap We celebrated Giving Tuesday for the entire month of - [Become a member of CFIC, or make a donation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/become-a-member-of-cfic/) - If you think it is important to discuss topics such as critical thinking, climate change, blasphemy laws, education curricula, and pseudoscientific claims in medicine, we invite you to support our work by becoming a member or donor. Without the work of CFIC, the major influencers will continue to be large, self-interested groups and institutions that - [Podcast For Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/podcast-for-inquiry/) - A podcast for scientific, skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry. You’ve got answers? We’ve got questions. A podcast for scientific, skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry. You’ve got answers? We’ve got questions. - [Donate to Centre for Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donate-to-cfic/) - Here are some ways you can contribute to support CFIC's vision of a world where evidence and critical thinking are valued, where superstition and prejudice are eliminated, and where science and compassion guide public policy. Canada Helps: (you can use a credit card) PayPal: (You don't need a PayPal account) PayPal Donate by Cheque You - [Media](https://centreforinquiry.ca/media/) - Critical Links Newsletter Search Archives Podcast for Inquiry Videos - [Keep in touch with CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/constant-contact-signup/) - Click here to be added to CFIC's email list. You'll receive our monthly newsletter, "Critical Links", as well as occasional mailings about CFIC national and local campaigns, activities, and events. - [Keep in touch with CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-signup/) - Click here to be added to CFIC's email list. You'll receive our monthly newsletter, "Critical Links", as well as occasional mailings about CFIC national and local campaigns, activities, and events. - [Supporters of CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/supporters-of-cfic/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada is a non-profit, CRA-registered educational charity. We rely on the generous financial donations of our members and supporters, and the donation of time from our hard-working team of volunteers. We also receive discounts for services from the following organizations: Envoke Slack Sync Thank you to all the individuals and organizations for - [Critical Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links/) - Critical Links Critical Links is CFIC's monthly newsletter. Got something to say? Check out the Critical Links Submission Guidelines. Read the newsletter archives in full by clicking here. Click here to be added to CFIC’s email list. You’ll receive our monthly newsletter, “Critical Links“, as well as occasional mailings about CFIC national and local campaigns, - [Critical Links 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2025/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2025: January/February March April May June July August September October November December - [Critical Links Submission Guidelines](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links/critical-links-submission-guidelines/) - Critical Links’ Submission Policy & Guidelines Unsolicited articles may be accepted, but we strongly encourage writers to check in with us with their topic before they begin writing. CFIC does not guarantee publication of articles that are submitted. All statements of fact must be supported by a reference which may be provided using a hyperlink - [CFIC Ottawa](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ottawa/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada's Ottawa branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Ottawa has had a branch of CFI Canada since 1990, promoting a secular society through reason, science, skepticism and humanist ethics, and fostering secular communities. We host local online Zoom events such as our Secular - [Critical Links 2021](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2021/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2021: January February March April May June July August September October November December - [Critical Links 2022](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2022/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2022: January February March April May June July August September October November December - [Critical Links 2023](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2023/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2023: January February March April May June July August September October November December - [Critical Links 2024](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2024/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2024: January February March April May June July/August September October November December - [The Cost of Religion in Canada: Government Transfers to Charities Advancing Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada/government-transfers-advancing-religion/) - Government Transfers to Charities Advancing Religion Authors: Sandra Dunham, Leslie RosenbloodContributors: Diane Bruce, John Manuel, Seanna Watson, Andy Wei Table of Contents Why does government transfer money to charities? How much money does government give to religious charities? The largest recipients Largest Municipal Transfer Largest Provincial Transfer Largest Federal Transfer Do these transfers fund religion? - [The Cost of Religion in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada/) - The right to be religious is a personal freedom we enjoy in Canada. However, Canadian taxpayers, as citizens of all faiths and citizens of no faith, should not be subsidizing the advancement of religion through tax exemptions. The right to be religious in Canada is important (freedom of religion). The need to retain Canada’s strength - [The Cost of Religion in Canada: More than Just Money: The Concluding Report in a 5-Part Series](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada/more-than-just-money-the-concluding-report-in-a-5-part-series/) - More Than Just the Money The Concluding Report in a 5-Part Series Authors: Sandra Dunham, Leslie RosenbloodContributors: Jacob Burgess, Matt Payne, John Varghese CONTENTS GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZES RELIGION IN CANADA Religion as a Charity THE COST OF RELIGION IN CANADA Charitable Tax Receipting Government Transfers Public Service Body rebates Property Tax Exemptions Clergy Residence Exemption Sales and Income - [The Cost of Religion in Canada: Tax Implications of Charities Advancing Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada/tax-implications-of-charities-advancing-religion/) - Tax Implications of Charities Advancing Religion Authors: Sandra Dunham, Leslie RosenbloodContributors: Diane Bruce, John Manuel, Seanna Watson, Andy Wei Table of Contents Introduction Taxation in Canada Do Religious Charities Avoid Income Tax? Income Tax on Rental Income and Capital Gains Sales tax Methodology Property Tax Exemptions An estimate for the cost of property tax exemptions Conclusion Appendix - [The Cost of Religion in Canada: Religious Charities Issuing Tax Receipts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada/charitable-tax-receipts/) - Religious Charities Issuing Tax Receipts Authors: Sandra Dunham, Leslie RosenbloodContributors: Diane Bruce, John Manuel, Seanna Watson, Andy Wei Table of Contents Charities Issue Tax Credit Receipts for Donations The Financial Cost of Religious Charity Tax Receipts Understanding Charitable Tax Credits Methodology Calculating the Cost of Religious Charity Tax Receipts Scenario A (Low Estimate) Scenario B - [The Cost of Religion in Canada: An Introductory Report](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada/the-cost-of-religion-in-canada-an-introductory-report/) - The Cost of Religion in Canada: An Introductory Report Exploring Advancement of Religion as a Charitable Purpose Authors: Sandra Dunham, Leslie RosenbloodContributors: Diane Bruce, Ashley Ertel-Ritzmann, John Manuel, Seanna Watson, Andy Wei Table of Contents Purpose of this report Proselytizing Should Not Be a Charitable Activity Scope of this report Benefits of being a charity - [Annual Reports](https://centreforinquiry.ca/governance-of-cfic/annual-reports/) - CFIC Annual Report 2023-2024 CFIC Annual Report 2022-2023 CFIC Annual Report 2021-2022 CFIC Annual Report 2020-2021 CFIC Annual Report 2019-2020 CFIC Annual Report 2018-2019 CFIC Annual Report 2017-2018 CFIC Annual Report 2016-2017 - [Join Us](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-us/) - [join](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join/) - [join](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-4/) - [join](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-2/) - [join](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-3/) - [CFIC's Virtual Branch](https://centreforinquiry.ca/virtual-branch/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Join our Meetup to get updates on future activities and events. You can tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and find us on Discord! CFIC Virtual Branch welcomes volunteers who wish to help keep our - [Become a Member of CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/become-a-member-of-cfic-legacy/) - [Other Ways to Give to Centre For Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/other-ways-to-give-to-centre-for-inquiry-canada/) - Whether you are planning your estate or sorting out your annual giving priorities, there may be significant tax advantages and creative ways for you to support CFI Canada. Planned Giving: Wills, bequests, gifts of life insurance and other strategies can be a way to make a significant contribution to CFI Canada. We urge you to - [Critical Links Archive](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/) - 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 - [Is it Science?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scientific-skepticism/is-it-science/) - One of CFIC's goals is to help people to share the benefits of real science and expose those who use scientific language to promote very unscientific ideas or products. "Canadians are being misled by claims that are not backed by science. As a result, they may be wasting their money, and worse, jeopardizing their health. - [CFIC Alberta Branch](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-alberta/) - CFIC's renewed Alberta branch aims to continue our mission to foster a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. We bring together secular individuals, groups, and communities across the province, with a commitment to providing a supportive platform where reason and progressive thinking are encouraged, and individual and collective decisions - [Contact Us](https://centreforinquiry.ca/contact-us/) - You can contact CFIC as follows: Email: info@centreforinquiry.ca Phone: 613-663-8198 Mail: PO Box 83045 Ottawa RPO Bank Walkley, Ontario, K1V 1A3 Looking for a local branch? List of Canadian branches - [Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/membership/) - With each new member our voice of reason gets stronger and more influential. As we grow in numbers, so does our influence with government decision makers and the public opinion that guides them. Without us, the major influencers will continue to be the large, self-interested groups and institutions that benefit from making baseless claims and - [CFI Canada Board of Directors & Leadership Team](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/cfi-canada-board-of-directors/) - Centre For Inquiry Canada's Board of Directors is elected by the CFIC Council at the Annual General Meeting. CFIC Board of Directors March 2023-March 2024 Seanna Watson – President president@centreforinquiry.ca Seanna was one of the founders of the Ottawa branch of CFI Canada in 2009. She grew up in Toronto, where her early religious upbringing - [CFIC in Newfoundland&Labrador](https://centreforinquiry.ca/branches/newfoundland_and_labrador/) - New branch starting up in NL! Check us out on Facebook, or send an email to nl@centreforinquiry.ca - [Centre for Inquiry Canada Privacy Statement](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/centre-for-inquiry-canada-privacy-statement/) - Your privacy is important to us. This privacy statement explains the personal data Centre for Inquiry Canada collects, and how it is processed and used. What is Personal Data? Your personal data includes information that could directly or indirectly be used to identify you, including name, postal address, email address, telephone number, credit card number, - [Donations and Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donations/) - Would you like to make a tax-deductible donation to CFI Canada? You can choose to give monthly or make a one-time donation. Use your credit card to donate via PayPal or Canada Helps. (You can also donate directly via Interac etransfer: send your donation to etransfer@centreforinquiry.ca) Click to sign up for your annual - [Donate to Centre for Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donate-to-centre-for-inquiry-canada/) - Here are some ways you can contribute to support CFIC's vision of a world where evidence and critical thinking are valued, where superstition and prejudice are eliminated, and where science and compassion guide public policy. Canada Helps: (you can use a credit card) PayPal: (You don't need a PayPal account) PayPal Donate by Cheque you - [Assistance for Apostates: Donate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a4a-donate/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada provides emergency assistance to writers, bloggers, publishers, and activists who face threats due to their beliefs or expressions regarding religion. You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the CFIC's Assistance for Apostates Fund. All donations to this are applied exclusively to Assistance for Apostates projects. Here are several ways - [Assistance for Apostates: Donate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/assistance-for-apostates-donate/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada provides emergency assistance to writers, bloggers, publishers, and activists who face threats due to their beliefs or expressions regarding religion. You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to CFIC's Assistance for Apostates Fund. All donations to this are applied exclusively to Assistance for Apostates projects. Here are several ways you - [Other Ways of Giving](https://centreforinquiry.ca/other-ways-of-giving/) - You can donate with Interac e-transfer to etransfer@centreforinquiry.ca You can use a credit card to donate via PayPal (even if you don't have a PayPal account). If you prefer to donate by cheque, you can mail your donation to: Centre for Inquiry Canada PO Box 83045 Ottawa RPO Bank Walkley, Ontario, K1V 1A3 If you - [CFIC Magical Solstice Celebration 2020](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-magical-solstice-celebration-2020/) - CFIC’s Winter Solstice Magic Show is coming to a computer near you. This interactive evening will feature live magic with James Alan. Attendees will get to watch and participate in the show, and take part in a Q&A where we peek behind the curtain. We’ve also set aside time to socialize and catch up. Registrants - [Donate to help "Omer"](https://centreforinquiry.ca/omer-donate/) - Help Us Help Omer "Omer"* is a 32-year-old Pakistani citizen fleeing religious persecution in his native country. Omer escaped Pakistan with the assistance of the Center for Inquiry U.S. (CFI). He is currently reasonably safe and secure in another country in the region. His case has been reviewed and confirmed by the United Nations High - [Anti-Black Racism in Canada - Donate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/anti-black-racism-in-canada-donate/) - The Anti-Black Racism in Canada event is sponsored by Centre for Inquiry Canada and Humanist Canada. All donations will receive a receipt from CFIC. The proceeds of this event will be donated to Black Artists Network in Dialogue, so that they can continue their work of “supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions - [Assistance for Apostates: Donate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-rescue-donate/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada provides emergency assistance to writers, bloggers, publishers, and activists who face threats due to their beliefs or expressions regarding religion. You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the CFIC's Assistance for Apostates Fund. All donations to this are applied exclusively to Assistance for Apostates projects. Here are several ways - [Problems with PayPal?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/problems-with-paypal/) - If you are having trouble making a donation with PayPal, you can contact us by email at techsupport@centreforinquiry.ca, or by phone at 613-663-8198. You can also donate with Interac e-transfer to etransfer@centreforinquiry.ca If you prefer to donate by cheque, you can mail your donation to: Centre for Inquiry Canada PO Box 83045 Ottawa RPO Bank - [Who is CFIC, and what do we do?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/) - CFI Canada is your community for scientific, skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ1lnAAhvG0&feature=youtu.be Centre for Inquiry Canada is a registered educational charity with the mandate to educate and provide training to the public in the application of skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry through conferences, symposia, lectures, published works and the maintenance of a - [Critical Thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-thinking/) - What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking involves the rejection of dogma and the humility that all beliefs are subject to provisional acceptance, based on currently available data, which we know is always incomplete. Most importantly, critical thinking involves an active curiosity that welcomes new information that may change our views. An openness to re-examining assumptions, - [Membership Renewals](https://centreforinquiry.ca/legacy-membership-renewals/) - [Governance of CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/governance-of-cfic/) - CFIC is overseen by Councillors of the agency. The Council members are elected from among the regular membership and represent 5% (rounded down) of the members. (Read our full bylaws here.) A 3 to 9-member operational Board of Directors manages and governs the agency. Directors must be CFIC Council members and are elected by the - [Volunteer request form](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-request-form/) - [Welcome Home, Omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/welcome-home-omer/) - [CFIC Strategic Plan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-strategic-plan/) - You can find CFIC Strategic Plan 2022 here. Click to view or download information regarding CFIC's 2017 strategic plan: 2017 CFIC Strategic Plan Executive Summary 2017 CFIC Strategic Plan - Full - [Latest Announcements](https://centreforinquiry.ca/latest-announcements/) - Announcements Archive - [CFI Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/support/centre_for_inquiry_membership/) - For further information about CFI membership or donations, please contact us 613-663-8198. - [Join Centre for Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-centre-for-inquiry-canada/) - [More than Just Money](https://centreforinquiry.ca/uploads-2022-04-cost-of-r/) - Click to download the final report: More than Just Money: The Concluding Report in a 5-Part Series - [Membership levels](https://centreforinquiry.ca/membership-levels/) - For $30 per year, you can become a member of the Centre for Inquiry Canada. Your support enables CFIC to continue and expand our efforts as we work to promote science, critical thinking, and human rights, building secular communities across the country. If you would like to make an additional donation, please make your selection using - [CFIC's Mission, Vision, and Values](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfics-mission-vision-and-values/) - Mission We are a community of critical thinkers. Science, compassion and freedom of inquiry inform our personal and collective choices. Our programs, services and tools support people, organizations and governments to make evidence-based decisions that improve lives in Canada and around the world. Vision A world where evidence and critical thinking are valued, where superstition and - [World Humanist Day Events in Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/world-humanist-day-events-in-canada/) - Map of 2022 World Humanist Day Events (click pin for more information; contact info@centreforinquiry.ca if you would like to add your event.) - [Become a member of Centre for Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-us-old-2/) - Membership Options Individual : $30.00 CAD - yearly Family : $45.00 CAD - yearly Name of main member Name of additional member(s) - [CFIC General Meetings](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-general-meetings/) - CFIC Members are invited to attend our Annual General Meeting. The AGM for the 2020-2021 fiscal year will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 7pm EST, featuring a keynote address presenting CFIC’s new five-year strategic plan. Members have been sent an official notice by email. If you did not receive yours and would like - [Secularism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism/) - A secular society, one which is not defined or directed by religion, is the key to creating a more peaceful and integrated society. Emphasizing one religion over others or trying to accommodate all religious perspectives when making public decisions, creates unnecessary conflict and forces the fastest growing group in Canada, people with no religious affiliation, - [Archives](https://centreforinquiry.ca/archives/) - Archives - [Announcements](https://centreforinquiry.ca/announcements/) - [Having problems making a donation?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/having-problems-making-a-donation/) - If you need technical assistance, please contact office@centreforinquiry.ca for assistance. If you would prefer, you can also donate by Interac e-transfer, using etransfer@centreforinquiry.ca. You can also send a cheque by mail to: Centre for Inquiry Canada 3360 Paul Anka Drive Ottawa, ON Canada K1V 9S2 Return to the CFI Canada main page. - [Donate via Interac etransfer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donate-via-interac-etransfer/) - CFIC also accepts donations by Interac etransfer - please use the email address etransfer@centreforinquiry.ca - [About CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/about-cfic/) - What is CFIC? Mission, Vision, and Values Centre for Inquiry Globally Why We Need CFIC History - [Structure of CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/structure-of-cfic/) - Governance Branches By-Laws - [CFIC Core Areas of Focus](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-core-areas-of-focus/) - Secularism Scientific Skepticism Critical Thinking Building Community - [Welcome to the Centre for Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-home/) - CFI Canada is your community for scientific, skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry. They've got answers? We've got questions. Featured Posts: Our Latest YouTube Video: Subscribe to our Podcast: CFIC 2022 Annual General Meeting The 2022 Annual General Meeting for the Centre for Inquiry Canada will be held virtually on Thursday, March 10, - [Our Partners and Allies](https://centreforinquiry.ca/our-partners-and-allies/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada has formal and informal relationships with many other like-minded organizations in Canada and around the world. Do you have a suggestion for an organization we should get in touch with? Send us an email. Center for Inquiry operates in the US and around the world. Its mission: To foster a - [Volunteering](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/volunteering/) - CFI Canada is a volunteer-driven organization. Your commitment and participation is essential to our success and our growth. We welcome volunteers at all levels in all areas. To join the team, please complete our Volunteer Application Form. We have openings at both the local and national level - though our national office is in Ottawa, - [Building Community](https://centreforinquiry.ca/building-community/) - Humans are social animals. Religion has often filled the requirement for community and social interaction. CFIC recognizes the importance of providing a non-religious/secular option for those who want to be part of a community free of religious obligations and entanglements. Building community is one of CFI Canada's core areas of focus, as described in our - [Scientific Skepticism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scientific-skepticism/) - Scientific skepticism involves the application of skeptical philosophy, critical-thinking skills, and knowledge of science and its methods to empirical claims, while remaining agnostic or neutral to non-empirical claims (except those that directly impact the practice of science). Scientific Skepticism is one of CFI Canada's core areas of focus, as described in our Strategic Plan. Check - [Fund the Facts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/fund-the-facts/) - Throughout the month of December, CFIC recognized Giving Tuesday every week. Although we had some fun with alliteration, our message was incredibly important. We need you to ensure that Canadians have access to quality information and advocacy related to science, critical thinking and secularism. We are recognizing today, the first Thursday of 2022, - [CFIC Fall 2021 Conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-fall-2021-conference-schedule/) - Schedule (Eastern Time): 12:00 PM Welcome & Introduction 12:15 PM Kato Mukasa - The God Business and the Death of Reason in Africa 1:15 PM Keith Douglas – What is a computational theory of mind? Celebrating 30 years of Daniel Dennett's Consciousness Explained 2:15 PM Break/Social 2:45 PM Keynote: William Davis – Religion and the - [Donations and Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donations-and-membership-working/) - Would you like to make a tax-deductible donation to CFI Canada? You can choose to give monthly or make a one-time donation. Use your credit card to donate via PayPal or Canada Helps. (You can also donate directly via Interac etransfer: send your donation to etransfer@centreforinquiry.ca) Click to sign up for your annual - [Donations and Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donations-and-membership/) - Click to sign up for your annual CFIC membership - $30 individual, or $45 family, paid with your credit card or via PayPal. For other ways to pay for your membership, please email membership@centreforinquiry.ca Membership Options Family : $45.00 CAD - yearly Individual : $30.00 CAD - yearly Name of main member Name of additional - [Donations - copy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donations-copy/) - Choose your monthly donation amount: donor : $5.00 CAD - monthly supporter : $10.00 CAD - monthly contributor : $25.00 CAD - monthly benefactor : $50.00 CAD - monthly patron : $100.00 CAD - monthly CFI Canada is a registered charity – all donations to CFIC are tax deductible. For more information contact us at - [2021 Summer Solstice Letter to Members](https://centreforinquiry.ca/letters/2021-summer-solstice-letter-to-members/) - [Letters](https://centreforinquiry.ca/letters/) - [CFIC Code of Conduct](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-code-of-conduct/) - [pdfviewer]https://centreforinquiry.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Centre-For-Inquiry-Canada-Code-of-Conduct_nov2016.pdf[/pdfviewer] - [2021 CFIC Virtual Conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2021-cfic-virtual-conference/) - UPDATED INFO HERE CFIC is planning to bring you a virtual conference, May 8, 2021. We are looking for volunteers to: - Help with graphic design and promotion - Liaise with speakers - Moderate events - Assist with technology - Do 100 other things we haven’t thought of yet If you would like to - [CFIC News](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-news/) - Assistance for Apostates: Introducing CFIC’s A4A CFIC and HC statement condemns racism COVID-19 response - [Critical Links 2017](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2017/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2017: January February March 3 March 17 April 2 April 14 April 21 May 7 May 21 June 1 June 9 June 28 - [Critical Links 2019](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2019/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2019: January February March April May June July August September October November December - [Assistance for Apostates: We’re Here to Help](https://centreforinquiry.ca/a4a-here-to-help/) - Help Centre for Inquiry Canada provide emergency assistance to writers, bloggers, publishers, and activists who face threats due to their beliefs or expressions regarding religion. Help Us Help Omer "Omer"* is a 32-year-old Pakistani citizen fleeing religious persecution in his native country. Omer escaped Pakistan with the assistance of the Center for Inquiry U.S. (CFI). - [Assistance for Apostates: We’re Here to Help](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secular-rescue-here-to-help/) - Help Centre for Inquiry provide emergency assistance to writers, bloggers, publishers, and activists who face threats due to their beliefs or expressions regarding religion. Help Us Help Omer "Omer"* is a 32-year-old Pakistani citizen fleeing religious persecution in his native country. Omer escaped Pakistan with the assistance of the Center for Inquiry U.S. (CFI). He - [Assistance for Apostates (A4A)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/assistance-for-apostates-a4a/) - Introducing CFIC’s A4A Formerly known as "Secular Rescue", this program assists people who are seeking asylum as a result of being prosecuted or persecuted for apostasy, blasphemy, or criticism of religion in their current location. Aid provided may include providing information, facilitating connections with other organizations and, in rare instances, offering financial support to assist - [CFIC- Ottawa's Secular Community Network](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-ottawa-secular-community-network/) - Join us CFIC-Ottawa's Secular Community Network is an intentional community working cooperatively to build a fair, inclusive and cohesive society through gaining knowledge and serving others. Secularism Is For Everyone • We are a community of diverse people engaged in cooperative learning and collaboration opportunities, through community outreach and being of service to others. • - [SCN Ottawa in Community Voice, Sept 2018](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scn-community-voice-sep-2018/) - [Magic Celebration 2020 - attendee package](https://centreforinquiry.ca/magic-celebration-2020/) - [Critical Links 2020](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2020/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2020: January February March April May June July August September October November December - [On-Line Kids for Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/on-line-kids-for-inquiry/) - Educational Resources and COVID related (Parenting) content We know that your children are likely feeling isolated and you may be looking for meaningful activities for them. We’ve brought Kids for Inquiry online, so we can share ideas about how to raise children who think critically and embrace science. Here are some links to get started: - [2019 Scammie Awards](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2019-scammie-awards/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada is proud to present our second annual Scammie Awards. The Scammies have been created to show the importance of being aware of dangerous products, fraudulent services, fake news and misrepresentation of facts. With the help of our members, we have compiled a list of outrageous examples of predatory lies, abuse of - [Donate via PayPal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donate-via-paypal/) - Use your credit card to donate via PayPal (you don''t need a PayPal account). - [CFIC and HC statement condemns racism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-and-hc-statement-condemns-racism/) - 5 June, 2020 Humanist Canada and the Centre for Inquiry Canada join the rest of the world in outrage over the senseless death of George Floyd. This is yet another example of systemic injustice against men of colour who are disproportionately profiled, arrested, incarcerated, and killed by authorities. Read more In 2019, 1,004 people were - [Thanks for your contribution](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thanks-for-your-contribution/) - Thank you for your generous contribution to support Dialogues on Anti-Black Racism in Canada, presented by Centre for Inquiry Canada and Humanist Canada. Return to the CFI Canada main page. - [Calendar of Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/calendar/) - 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. [my_calendar id="my-calendar"] 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 - [Calendar of Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-calendar/) - This calendar uses the Eastern Time Zone. [my_calendar id="my-calendar"] 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. - [Toronto](https://centreforinquiry.ca/toronto/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Toronto branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. You don't need to be a member of CFIC to participate in meetups, but if you like the work we are doing, we always welcome new members, donors, and volunteers. Find us on Meetup Follow - [CFIC responds to the COVID-19 pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-responds-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/) - During the Covid-19 pandemic, Centre for Inquiry Canada remains committed to scientific inquiry, critical thinking, secularism and building community. Find out about upcoming events offered through our Virtual Branch. Click for more details about CFIC's response to this rapidly evolving situation. For parents and caregivers, we have assembled some resources as part of our new - [Montreal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/montreal/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Montreal branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. We are always looking for volunteers especially in leadership roles. If you would be interested please fill in our Volunteer form. - [CFIC Winnipeg](https://centreforinquiry.ca/winnipeg/) - Welcome to the Centre for Inquiry Winnipeg! CFI Canada is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities for humanists, skeptics and freethinkers. Centre for Inquiry Canada Winnipeg branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. CFIC Winnipeg offers an opportunity to put your principles into practice by joining other - [Halifax](https://centreforinquiry.ca/halifax/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Halifax branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. CFI Halifax's goal is to support and grow the freethought community in Halifax and surrounding areas. Our interests vary, from unlikely alternative health claims to the latest scientific advancements, from government endorsement of religion to - [CFIC Regina](https://centreforinquiry.ca/regina/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Regina branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. CFI Regina offers an opportunity to put your principles into practice by joining other rationalists to work for positive change in society. The Regina branch sponsors social - [Victoria](https://centreforinquiry.ca/victoria/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Victoria branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. CFIC Victoria BC branch held its organising meeting on May 27, 2017 and has been operational ever since. We hold our monthly meetings on the 2nd Friday of every month at 7pm in the Large - [CFIC Saskatoon](https://centreforinquiry.ca/saskatoon/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada Saskatoon branch fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. You can follow us on Facebook and sign up on Meetup - [CFIC Branches](https://centreforinquiry.ca/branches/) - Local Branches allow CFIC members to create a community of like minded people. Branches receive support from CFIC and, in return, promote CFIC to its membership. Local branch volunteers must be members of CFIC (note that an earned membership category is available). CFIC offers local branches in larger centres where the population is sufficient to - [CFIC Volunteer Application Form](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-app/) - To become a CFIC Volunteer, please complete the following Volunteer Application Form. If you have questions, please contact volunteers@centreforinquiry.ca. - [CFIC responds to the Covid19 pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-responds-to-the-covid19-pandemic/) - During the Covid-19 pandemic, Centre for Inquiry Canada remains committed to scientific inquiry, critical thinking, secularism and building community. We want to ensure that we are available to our members and that we are working with others to promote the best information that science has to offer. In view of the flood of information and - [Science and Natural history museums (Virtual tours and /or Activity centers)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science-and-natural-history-museums-virtual-tours-and-or-activity-centers/) - Natural History Museum, London Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History NASA Virtual tour NASA Glenn Virtual Tours NASA STEM Engagement National Museum of the U.S. Air Force History of Science Museum, Oxford Museum of Science, Boston Museum of Natural Sciences (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences), Brussels, Belgium German Oceanographic Museum, Foundation German Oceanographic Museum - [Helpful news and blogs about parenting during this pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/helpful-news-and-blogs-about-parenting-during-this-pandemic/) - How to parent when you're in quarantine. Your COVID-19 questions answered (CBC news) Is Quarantine Worse for an Only Child?(The New York Times) Parenting During COVID-19 (Psychology Today) It’s Okay to Be a Different Kind of Parent During the Pandemic (The Atlantic) Children’s story book released to help children and young people cope with COVID-19(WHO) - [Helpful news and blog post about parenting during pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/helpful-news-and-blog-post-about-parenting-during-pandemic/) - [Helpfull news and blog posts about parenting during pandemic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/helpfull-news-and-blog-posts-about-parenting-during-pandemic/) - 18 Tips On How To Cope With Children During Quarantine (Bianca Miller Cole) 7 Activities For Kids During Quarantine (Huffpost) Is Quarantine Worse for an Only Child?(The Newyork Times) - [National Day of Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/national-day-of-science/) - CFIC Calls for National Day of Science for Covid-19 In the interests of supporting science, rationalism and Critical Thinking to participate in a National Day of Science for Covid 19. On Saturday March 28, we are calling on all Canadians to celebrate science and recognize the scientists who are working tirelessly to: stop the spread - [Covid-19 Q+A](https://centreforinquiry.ca/covid-19-qa/) - Please let us know your questions about Covid. These may be questions you can’t find answers to, or questions where the answers you have found are unclear or contradictory. You can post in the comments below, or send an email to covid19@centreforinquiry.ca We will ask our science chair, Zack, to review your questions. While Zack - [News archive](https://centreforinquiry.ca/news-archive/) - Cost of religion How much does the Government of Canada subsidize religion? Over the next year, CFIC will be reviewing Canada Revenue Agency data to bring you the answer to this important question. The right to be religious is a personal freedom we enjoy in Canada. However, Canadian taxpayers, as citizens of all faiths and - [SkeptiCan On-Line](https://centreforinquiry.ca/skeptican-on-line/) - Many of you may be familiar with the Skepticamp movement. Now is the time to bring that movement on-line. Watch for details of a national SkeptiCan conference coming this spring. If you have something to contribute, please email: skeptican@centreforinquiry.ca. - [CFIC Virtual Discussion groups](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-virtual-discussion-groups/) - CFIC will provide Zoom videoconferencing access for member driven discussion forums. If you have an idea for a topic that you would like to explore with other CFIC members, email us at: info@centreforinquiry.ca with your idea. If your idea is selected we will arrange the meeting and advertise the discussion group to our membership. - [Living without Religion - on-line meetings](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lwr-online/) - Now, more than ever, people who have left their religion may be tempted to return to that community for the comfort it offers. For those of you who are worried about being drawn back into a world where you no longer belong, please consider joining one of our online Living Without Religion discussion groups. Even - [Living Without Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/living-without-religion/) - Covid-19 update: CFIC is providing on-line LwR meetings, not only for those currently involved in local groups but also for anyone across the country looking to find connection and support during these trying times. Living Without Religion is a peer-support group offered for people who are working through the challenges related to leaving an organized - [Add your voice!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/join-us-old/) - Make a Commitment to Science, Reason, and Critical Thinking Today. Membership Options Family : $45.00 CAD - yearly Individual : $30.00 CAD - yearly Name of main member Name of additional member(s) You can also give to CFIC though CanadaHelps.org https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/centre-for-inquiry/ How Centre for Inquiry Canada Uses Donated Funds Centre for Inquiry Canada relies on - [Ideas for social connectedness while social distancing](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ideas-for-social-connectedness-while-social-distancing/) - Yes, you have to stay 2 metres apart and avoid crowds. No, you do not need to cut yourself off. Our social activities page allows members to share great ideas for staying connected during this difficult time. We will share our ideas and invite you to share yours in the comments below. - [CFIC Bylaws](https://centreforinquiry.ca/governance-of-cfic/cfic-bylaws/) - CFIC By-Laws (Revised) - March 2019 - [CFIC Family Membership Upgrade](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-family-membership-upgrade/) - Name of main member Name of additional member(s) - [Scammie #9 More Goop](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-9-more-goop/) - Through 2019, the indefatigable Dr. Jen Gunter continued to bring to our attention the scamminess of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop. But appetites for expensive snake oil seem to be insatiable, and a Goop store was opened in Toronto last summer (as reviewed by a couple of CFIC volunteers). A later visit to the store by Health - [Scammie #8 Perineum Sunning](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-8-perineum-sunning/) - Woo practitioner Metaphysical Meagan popularized the practice of “Perineum Sunning” - a.k.a. applying direct sunlight to places where, normally, the “sun don’t shine”. What could possibly go wrong? Next: Scammie #7: Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy - [Scammie #7: Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-7-blood-flow-stimulation-therapy/) - Thanks to Gleb Lisikh for nominating Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy (BFST) for our 2019 Scammies. BFST is apparently a very high-priced heating pad for people who are looking for a solution for an ongoing injury. Zack Dumont, CFIC Science Chair, acknowledges that King Brand's BFST product has an "FDA registration". However, this should not be - [Scammie #6: "Scientists” Deny Anthropogenic Global Warming](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-6-scientists-deny-anthropogenic-global-warming/) - While we are heating things up, let's award a Scammie for climate change denialists: In late September, a group of 500 “prominent scientists and professionals” sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General declaring that there is no climate emergency . Subsequent analysis found these claims to be “biased, cherry-picking, inaccurate, misleading.” (Also worth noting that just - [Scammie #5: RC Sex abuse coverups](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-5-rc-sex-abuse-coverups/) - Thanks to member Richard Harris for his nomination of “religion in all its guises,” for which we have Scammies #5 and #4. After centuries of scams to cover up sexual abuse, the Roman Catholic Church now has a new papal decree which holds bishops accountable for sexual abuse, requires clerics to report abuse that comes - [Scammie #4: Vatican Keeps Money Donated to Help Poor People](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-4-vatican-misappropriates-funds/) - "Peter's Pence" is an annual appeal to Roman Catholics around the world who are asked to contribute to "an activity that supports the most needy." In June, Catholics are asked to "give to the Pope so that he can provide for the needs of the entire Church." But a recent investigation found that, rather - [Scammie #3: Canada Funds International Homeopathy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-3-canada-funds-international-homeopathy/) - Your tax dollars at work [2]: As noted in the March 2019 edition of Critical Links, Global Affairs Canada allocated $350,000 to fund a group of homeopaths to treat Chagas disease in Honduras. We are pleased to report that after the CBC raised concerns about this program, Global Affairs responded to say that they would - [Scammie #2: Shills for "Big Naturo?"](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-2-shills-big-naturo/) - (Thanks to CFIC Victoria Branch Manager Sophie Shulman for keeping the anti-vax movement on our minds and calling attention to this article.) Joseph Mercola has funded the American anti-vaccination movement and also has made millions selling natural health products, including supplements he sells as an alternative to vaccines. Coincidence? Next: Scammie #1: Unholy Alliances - [Scammie #1: Unholy Alliances](https://centreforinquiry.ca/scammie-1-unholy-alliances/) - And our Number One scam of the year of 2019 is a demonstration of what can happen when religion and pseudoscience meet: In April 2019, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), through its Patriarchal Commission on Family Affairs, Protection of Motherhood and Childhood, adopted a resolution on the right of parents to refuse vaccination of their - [Scammie #10: Astrology on the CBC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2019-scammie-10-astrology/) - Your tax dollars at work: The CBC Lifestyle editors want to help readers find the best jeans to match their astrological sign. This was brought to our attention by reader Oscar Starschild, who also started a petition objecting to the practice. Next: Scammie #9: More Goop - [OMG! Goop Opens in Toronto! CFIC leaders go undercover in the name of science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/omg-goop-opens-in-toronto-cfic-leaders-go-undercover-in-the-name-of-science/) - Toronto is now home to Gwyneth Paltrow’s "modern lifestyle brand" called goop. CFIC’s President, Gus Lyn-Piluso, along with Critical Links editor and CFIC Board member, Edan Tasca, went undercover to explore Toronto’s new shopping experience. Gus reports that their effort to travel incognito was thwarted: “We didn’t exactly blend in with that crowd.” Gus and - [#2 Birth Control is Abortion?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-2/) - Just one item of controversy surrounding the appointment of US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was his controversial statement that some forms of birth control are “abortion inducing drugs.” Surprise: the science says that birth control prevents pregnancy, it does not terminate it. Next: Charcoal the Medical Marvel! Toothpaste! - [test donate2019](https://centreforinquiry.ca/test-donate2019/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="donate2019"] Choose your monthly donation amount donor : $5.00 CAD - monthly supporter : $10.00 CAD - monthly contributor : $25.00 CAD - monthly benefactor : $50.00 CAD - monthly patron : $100.00 CAD - monthly - [Monthly Donations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/monthly-donations/) - Have you considered signing up for a monthly donation to CFIC? Here's what some of our monthly donors have told us: It’s easy, I never forget to make my donation. I believe strongly in the mission of CFIC. I know that I’ve helped a lot with my monthly gift. I find I can give a - [CFIC STORE](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-store/) - Can't make it out to a CFIC meeting or event? You can now buy merchandise and books online: T shirts: CFIC Celebrates the International Year of the Periodic Table Stop faith based bigotry T shirt New T shirts available "I don't want you to think like me, I just want you to think" and - [Stop Faith Based Bigotry T](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanrights-stop-faith-based-bigotry/) - Show your support of human rights, and opposition to religious bigotry with this T-shirt, available in Men's, Women's, and Children's sizes. $25 each, or 2 for $40 + $5 shipping Select Option (shipping included) Men's Tshirt $30.00 CAD 2 Men's Tshirts $45.00 CAD Women's Tshirt $30.00 CAD 2 Women's Tshirts $45.00 CAD Child's Tshirt - [# 9 Dog Saliva Used to Treat Aggression](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-9/) - It is difficult to say what is most concerning about this homeopathic ‘remedy’: that rabid dog saliva was used to treat aggression in a 4 year old; that a parent would treat their child using homeopathy; that people still believe in the dilutions and like-cures-like premise of homeopathy; that someone gathered up rabid dog saliva - [The Atheist Muslim: Ali Rizvi in Ottawa](https://centreforinquiry.ca/rizvi/) - For the next in our "Teach the Controversy" speaker series, CFI Ottawa is pleased to present physician, author, musician and activist Ali Rizvi discussing his recent book, The Atheist Muslim. Dr Rizvi aims to give a voice to the growing number of freethinkers and secularists in the Muslim world. "The Atheist Muslim" recounts Dr. Rizvi's - [Centre for Inquiry Globally](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-globally/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada is an affiliate of the Center for Inquiry, a collaborative of independent organizations around the world sharing a commitment to humanism, critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and secularism. CFI’s around the world share philosophies and ideas, however have no formal or legal relationship. Each CFI operates independently under its own governance structure. - [What is CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-is-cfic/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada works with members, volunteers, supporters and partners to create a better world. We do this through the application of critical thinking skills; promotion of good science; adoption of secular decision making and through building communities of like minded people. CFIC is a national, volunteer led, charitable organization with several local branches - [volunteer form testing](https://centreforinquiry.ca/volunteer-form-testing/) - [Vote for Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vote-for-science/) - In the months leading up to the 2019 Federal election CFIC asked our members to identify the most pressing issues facing Canada. Over 1/3 of members responded, and the results overwhelmingly confirmed that our members want to know how our elected officials will engage in Science-Based Decision-Making, particularly when it comes to climate change and - [Constant Contact test form](https://centreforinquiry.ca/constant-contact-test-form/) - [SOS: Secular Sobriety](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sos-secular-sobriety/) - SOS: Also known as Save Our Selves, Secular Organizations for Sobriety is a program dedicated to providing a path to sobriety without depending upon supernatural or religious beliefs.We respect diversity, welcome healthy skepticism, and encourage rational thinking as well as the expression of feelings. Click to read more about Secular Sobriety Click to read more - [CFIC Councillor Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-councillor-membership/) - Hello Councillors! If you are new to CFI Canada's council, welcome aboard! If you are renewing your council membership, thanks for your service to CFIC. Click the link below to sign up for your $60 annual CFIC Council membership*, paid with your credit card or via PayPal. We also offer options to add subscriptions to - [AGM Minutes archive](https://centreforinquiry.ca/governance-of-cfic/agm-minutes-archive/) - AGM 2019 ( - [2018-2019 BOD](https://centreforinquiry.ca/old-bod/) - Centre For Inquiry Canada's Board of Directors is elected by the CFIC Council at the Annual General Meeting. CFIC Board of Directors March 2018-March 2019 Gus Lyn-Piluso - President gus.lyn-piluso@centreforinquiry.ca Seanna Watson - Vice-President, Acting Treasurer, Education Chair education@centreforinquiry.ca Blythe Nilson - Science Chair science@centreforinquiry.ca Jason Lawrence - Human Rights Chair humanrights@centreforinquiry.ca Alex Kenjeev - - [testing too](https://centreforinquiry.ca/testing-too/) - Choose your monthly donation amount donor : $5.00 CAD - monthly supporter : $10.00 CAD - monthly contributor : $25.00 CAD - monthly benefactor : $50.00 CAD - monthly patron : $100.00 CAD - monthly Choose your annual donation amount donor : $60.00 CAD - yearly supporter : $120.00 CAD - yearly contributor : $300.00 - [Vancouver](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vancouver/) - Are you uncomfortable around creationists, astrologers, psychics, homeopaths, conspiracy theorists, cult pushers, evangelicals, multilevel marketers, mediums and channelers? Yearning to talk with someone with similar thoughts for awhile? Meetup with other local skeptics for some refreshing conversation. The truth may be out there, but maybe we don't have to be... 'out there' to find it. - [List of CFIC Branches](https://centreforinquiry.ca/branch-list/) - CFI Canada has branches from coast to coast: British Columbia Victoria Vancouver Alberta Calgary Saskatchewan Regina Saskatoon Ontario Ottawa Sudbury Toronto Quebec Montreal Nova Scotia Halifax Don't see your location here? It only takes a few committed people to set up a CFIC branch in your area. Or if you are already part of a - [Critical Links 2018](https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links-archive/critical-links-2018/) - Did you miss an issue of Critical Links? Or want to check back on something you read? All back issues are available in our archive 2018: January February March April May June July August September (fixed Vaginal Rejuvenation article) October November December - [#10 Smoothies More Effective than Flu Shots](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-10/) - A BC chiropractor made news when he made a Facebook video claiming that smoothies were more effective than the flu shot. Why get jabbed in the arm when you can just drink a smoothie? How can anyone take chiropractic seriously when chiropractors repeatedly make claims that are untrue and are in violation of their own - [#7 Stickers For Harmonious Body Vibrations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-7/) - Brought to you by Gwyneth Paltrow. Who else? These stickers keep your systems vibrating at high levels in order to live a long and healthy life. Convenient online support, a customer support line and the “How to vibe guide” will help you to find the perfect position for your sticker. Might we suggest that a - [#8 Raw Water](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-8/) - Drinking raw water is believed by some to be better for you than tap or bottled water. In fact in San Francisco it is reported that a 2.5 gallon jar of water will cost you more than $60 US. Price aside, raw water can make you very ill. Prior to treating water, people died from - [#6 Drinking Collagen for Better Skin](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-6/) - If collagen applied to the skin makes you look more youthful, won’t drinking it work even better? NO! If you drink collagen your stomach will break it down and you will excrete it in the usual way (we wonder if it might create a youthful looking colon). Drinking collagen is just drinking away your hard-earned - [#5 Don’t Eat Your Placenta](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-5/) - What more can be said? Who knew it would have to be said? If you are thinking of eating your placenta - just don’t. Next: Drinking Collagen for Better Skin - [Charcoal the Medical Marvel! Toothpaste!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-3/) - One of the biggest challenges facing critical thinking is that some scams are loosely based on truth. Take charcoal for example. Charcoal will make your teeth whiter temporarily, until you scrub off the enamel leaving them sensitive and prone to cavities. Our recommendation? Don't rub charcoal on your teeth. Next: Charcoal the Medical Marvel! Detox! - [#3 Charcoal the Medical Marvel! Detox!](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-4/) - Need we remind you? Your body doesn’t need detoxification. That's what your liver is for! If you consume poison, the Emergency Room doctor may use activated charcoal to treat you. However, if you have not eaten poison there is no need to eat charcoal. If you do, the charcoal will have some negative effects such - [#1 Scrubbing the House to Beat Lyme Disease](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-1/) - This article by the New York Centre for Innovative Medicine (AKA the New York Conversation for Idiotic Mumbojumbo) compares the body to “a house that has gotten messy with toxic invaders.” While traditional antibiotics “exterminate the spirochetes” they are still “lying around the house.” The mumbo jumbo will “scrub the house clean to get rid - [2018 Scammie Awards](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-scammie-awards/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada is proud to present our first annual Scammie Awards. The award is given for the most outrageous pseudo-scientific claims of the previous year. The “winners” of this year’s Scammies show how important it is for people to watch out for dangerous products, fraudulent services, exploitation and all other instances when people - [Donate here to help CFI Canada support Secular Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanrightsdonations/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="Donate2017"] You can also give to CFIC though CanadaHelps.org https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/centre-for-inquiry/ - [Donate to CFI (via PayPal)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/donate-to-cfi-via-paypal/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="donate"] - [Founders of Centre for Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/founders-of-centre-for-inquiry-canada/) - Robert Buckman was a world-renowned Oncologist, writer, comedian and activist. Dr. Buckman supported many national and international humanist, atheist and skeptics association including being a founding member of Centre for Inquiry Canada. Dr. Buckman’s TV series “Magic or Medicine” investigated alternative medicine. His book and TV documentary “Can We Be Good Without God? Biology, Behaviour - [CFIC Charitable Status](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-charitable-status/) - CFI Canada is a CRA-Registered Educational Charity Charitable Registration Number: 83364 2614 RR001 - [History of Centre for Inquiry Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/history-of-centre-for-inquiry-canada/) - In Canada, the Centre for Inquiry grew out of the alliance between a group of students from University of Toronto and several prominent Humanists including Dr. Robert Buckman and Dr. Henry Morgentaler, initially with the support of CFI Transnational. In 2004, a small atheist group formed at Trinity College, an Anglican institution affiliated with University - [CFIC's founding principles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfics-founding-principles/) - Our Founding principles: Human ethics, scientific inquiry and democracy Our mission at the Centre for Inquiry Canada is based on a long tradition of humanist ethics and scientific inquiry. Democracy is required if these ethics and the inquiry are to have an impact on our world. John Dewey was one of the signatories of the - [Why we need CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/why-we-need-cfic/) - Skepticism is the highest duty and blind faith the one unpardonable sin. --Thomas Huxley CFIC’s mission is critical for effective democracy, “the voice of reason" in a time of alternative facts, political hyperbole and social media group think. CFIC is needed because, although we express the majority opinion, there are people actively opposing secular decision - [Ottawa SCN discussion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ottawa-scn-discussion/) - [Secularism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-3/) - [secularism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/secularism-2/) - [What is secularism?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/what-is-secularism/) - What is secularism? A secular society is one in which the government and all its institutions — from its military to its courts to its schools — are religiously neutral. A secular society respects and protects freedom of religion, as well as freedom from religion. A secular society recognizes the right to an education that - [Canada is Repealing its Blasphemy Law](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canada-is-repealing-its-blasphemy-law/) - by Leslie Rosenblood Governments sometimes pass laws that violate their country's constitution. One purpose of an independent judiciary is to identify and strike down such laws when they are challenged. Since Canada adopted the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982, many previously valid laws have been found to be contrary to Canada's new constitution. When the - [AGM-2018](https://centreforinquiry.ca/agm-2018/) - As a registered charity, CFIC hosts an Annual General Meeting each year for the purposes of presenting the annual financial statements, financial results, electing the CFIC Council and Board and formally summarizing the prior year's activities and achievements. The Annual General Meeting is open to members of CFIC and is currently planned for Sunday April - [Join Us (membership test)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/membership-test/) - Join us, or renew your CFIC membership Choose your membership+donation bundle donor ($30 tax receipt) : $60.00 CAD - yearly supporter ($120 tax receipt) : $150.00 CAD - yearly contributor ($300 tax receipt) : $330.00 CAD - yearly benefactor ($600 tax receipt) : $630.00 CAD - yearly patron ($1200 tax receipt) : $1,230.00 - [Join us! (membership test)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/membership-test-old/) - [CFI Magazines](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-magazines/) - Thanks to our US friends at Center for Inquiry, CFI Canada is pleased to offer our members a special price for subscriptions to the magazines Free Inquiry and Skeptical Inquirer. The cost for CFI members is $45/ magazine annually ($50 for non-members). CFIC Member rates Free Inquiry : $45.00 CAD - yearly Skeptical Inquirer : - [CFI Magazines](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-magazasdfdines/) - Thanks to our US friends at Center for Inquiry, CFI Canada is pleased to offer our members a special price for subscriptions to the magazines Free Inquiry and Skeptical Inquirer. The cost for CFI members is $45/ magazine annually ($50 for non-members). CFIC Member rates Free Inquiry : $45.00 CAD - yearly Skeptical Inquirer : - [Constant Contact Email Archive](https://centreforinquiry.ca/constant-contact-email-archive/) - [This is a list of email updates sent to CFIC members, friends, and subscribers. Looking for past issues of the Critical Links newsletter? Click here.] Summer Solstice 2018 Can't find what you are looking for? Please contact info@centreforinquiry.ca. - [CFIC Monthly Donation via PayPal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-monthly-donation-via-paypal/) - CFIC Monthly Donation Enter the amount you want to pay each month $ CAD Sign up for Thank you for your support. - [Educational Programs and Services](https://centreforinquiry.ca/education/courses-and-presentations/) - Science and Philosophy Book Clubs CFIC Branches which offer science and philosophy book clubs: Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver. Living Without Religion Support Groups LWR is a peer-facilitated program to help individuals cope with the challenges of leaving their religion. LWR groups currently meet in Toronto, Ottawa and a new program will soon be available in the - [CFIC Library](https://centreforinquiry.ca/education/cfi-library/) - A founding principle of CFI Canada is our commitment to education in areas of science, secularism, philosophy and humanism. To that end CFI Canada’s National Office maintains one of the country’s largest dedicated collections of Secular Humanist literature. For several years (2011–2014), the CFI Canada library was in storage due to lack of space at our College St - [Canada's Blasphemy Law](https://centreforinquiry.ca/canadas-blasphemy-law/) - Did you know that Canada still has a blasphemy law in its Criminal Code? Blasphemy is currently regarded as the act of showing contempt (or failing to display reverence and respect) for religious symbols or persons. It is well known that in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan faith-based governments, radical militarized organizations and even individuals use - [Structure](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/structure/) - CFI Canada is a volunteer-based, registered Canadian charity (Reg. No. 83364 2614 RR0001) overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors with advice on matters of operations and public policy provided by an Expert Advisory Panel. CFI Canada's Board of Directors is elected from the ranks of the CFI Council; the Council is comprised of 5% - [Staff](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/staff/) - Sandra Dunham - Executive Director of Development Mark Maharaj - Office Manager - [How To Help](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/) - As a registered educational charity, the Centre for Inquiry Canada relies on people like you, for all of our operations. from the Board of Directors all the way to front line education and activism. When you become a member, you aren’t just joining a community, you are making a statement. You are making a commitment to the values - [CFIC Discourse](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfidiscourse/) - discourse‎ [n,v]: the use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas CFI Canada Discourse is our blog where you can find all the latest information, news and posts from CFI Canada's members and leaders. CFIC Discourse is also a forum for discussion of topics and issues related to CFI Canada's mandate to promote science, reason, and - [Welcome to CFI-Victoria](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-victoria/) - CFI Canada has a new branch in Victoria. Check us out on meetup: www.meetup.com/Centre-for-Inquiry-Victoria For more information, contact victoria@centreforinquiry.ca. - [2018 Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2018-message-from-the-chair-of-the-board-of-directors/) - From the desk of Kevin Smith: This will be my last Chair report for CFI Canada so it will be a little more personal and I hope not too self-indulgent. In life, priorities and responsibilities change and as I mentioned to the Board last year, my time to fulfill all the duties expected of a Board - [Vaccine records - Who's responsible?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/vaccine-records-whos-responsible/) - As 2017 was closing, according to records assessed by Toronto Public Health between July and the end of December, over 5000 Toronto elementary school students were suspended because of incomplete immunization records. All the students were allowed back in school once their records were sorted out. Ontario is one of only two provinces — along - [Annual Report: 2016-2017](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/governance/annual-report-2016-2017/) - Annual Report 2016-17 - [Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign](https://centreforinquiry.ca/sign-sign-everywhere-a-sign/) - Dr Richard Thain of Ottawa launched a two-week ad campaign in Toronto on Monday March 19, 2018 supporting One Public Education Now (OPEN) and Civil Rights in Public Education (CRIPE). The purpose of the ads was to garner support for a lawsuit they are planning -- a Charter challenge -- to - [Election Process](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/governance/elections/) - Following is a summary of the CFIC election process. For details, please refer to the Bylaws An Elections Committee, consisting of at least one Director and two Councillors who are not Directors, shall be appointed by the Board to oversee elections of Councillors and Directors. A minimum of three members of the committee shall oversee - [Governance Documents](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/governance/) - Centre for Inquiry Canada is committed to transparency and good governance. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the operations, governance or management of CFI Canada, please inquire with the Board of Directors. CFI Canada Bylaws - [CFIC Canada Membership](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/governance/cfic-canada-membership/) - Membership Categories As specified in the Bylaws, CFI Canada has two membership categories: Councillors and Friends of the Centre for Inquiry Canada. Following is a brief summary: Councillors Councillors are voting members, elected to a four-year term. Each Councillor is entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at all meetings of members and each - [AGM archives](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/governance/agm-archives/) - Fiscal Year Oct 2015 - Sept 2016 Fiscal Year Oct 2014 - Sept 2015 Oct 23, 2014 Board Meeting Agenda Dec 11, 2014 Board Meeting Agenda CentreForInquiry-FinancialStatements-Draft Report to the Board of Directors FINAL AGM Agenda and Minutes March 2015 - Draft for Approval 201314 Annual Report Fiscal Year Oct 2013- Sept - [Ottawa Secular Community Network](https://centreforinquiry.ca/ottawa-scn/) - [#metoo and you, too](https://centreforinquiry.ca/metoo_and_you_too/) - This page has been set up for CFI members and others in the humanist/secularist/skeptic/atheist community to have a respectful discussion and dialog about sexual harassment of women in general, the #metoo movement, and the recent allegations against physicist Lawrence Krauss. Some questions that have been posed: How should CFIC (and other groups) handle relationships with - [Me Too (March 2018 Critical Links)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/me-too-march-2018-critical-links/) - As an organization committed to humanism, CFI Canada condemns sexual abuse and harassment in all its forms. Many of you are aware of the allegations of sexual misconduct recently brought against physicist Lawrence Krauss (https://www.buzzfeed.com/peteraldhous/lawrence-krauss-sexual-harassment-allegations). Lawrence Krauss has been a guest speaker at a number of events that CFI Canada has presented and/or sponsored. CFI Canada is - [CFIC's Mission](https://centreforinquiry.ca/mission/) - CFI Canada's mission is to provide education and training to the public in the application of skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry through conferences, symposia, lectures, published works and the maintenance of a library. CFIC is a CRA-registered educational charity; CRN 83364 2614 RR001 - [The Atheist Muslim: Ali Rizvi in Ottawa](https://centreforinquiry.ca/the-atheist-muslim-ali-rizvi-in-ottawa/) - For the next in our "Teach the Controversy" speaker series, CFI Ottawa is pleased to present physician, author, musician and activist Ali Rizvi discussing his recent book, The Atheist Muslim. Dr Rizvi aims to give a voice to the growing number of freethinkers and secularists in the Muslim world. "The Atheist Muslim" recounts Dr. Rizvi's - [Become a CFI Canada member or volunteer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/become-a-cfi-canada-member-or-volunteer/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="joiorvolunteer"] - [Will You Make a Commitment to Reason and Science Today?](https://centreforinquiry.ca/support/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="Donate2017"] You can also give to CFIC though CanadaHelps.org https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/centre-for-inquiry/ Other Ways to Give to Centre For Inquiry Canada Whether you are planning your estate or sorting out your annual giving priorities, there may be significant tax advantages and creative ways for you to support CFI Canada. Planned Giving: Wills, bequests, gifts of life - [Welcome members](https://centreforinquiry.ca/welcome-members/) - Welcome, and thanks for your commitment to support CFI Canada's work to combat the harm of superstition, pseudoscience and religion by by advancing the values of reason, science and secularism through education, activism, and building our community. Return to the CFI Canada main page. - [Support Secularism in British Columbia](https://centreforinquiry.ca/support-secularism-in-british-columbia/) - The Centre for Inquiry has a new branch in Victoria, BC. The members there have started two on-line petitions, calling for an end to special treatment for religion in the provincial school system and healthcare system. Petition for a secular school system: https://www.change.org/p/honourable-rob-fleming-public-money-for-public-schools-in-bc Petition for secular healthcare: https://www.change.org/p/honourable-adrian-dix-secular-health-care-in-bc Everyone is invited to sign the petitions - [Suppport CFI Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/suppport-cfi-canada/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="donate2017"] [xyz-ihs snippet="shortsupport"] - [Thanks for supporting CFI Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/thanks-for-supporting-cfi-canada/) - Thank you for your generous donation, and for your commitment to support CFI Canada's work to combat the harm of superstition, pseudoscience and religion by by advancing the values of reason, science and secularism through education, activism, and building our community. Return to the CFI Canada main page. - [tst](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tst/) - Enter the maximum amount you want to pay each month$ CAD Sign up for - [Branch forms](https://centreforinquiry.ca/branch-forms/) - [Upcoming Events at CFI Canada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/upcoming-events/) - TORONTO “On Islam, Trump, and the growing explosion of non-belief in Muslim societies”. Sunday, March 5, 7 PM Bloor/Gladstone branch of the Toronto Public Library 1101 Bloor Street West (one block east of Dufferin). COST: CFI members: $15 at the door Non-members: $20 at the door Please note: Seating for the event is now sold - [LWR - Calgary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/lwr-calgary/) - The Calgary Living without Religion group meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact: calgary@centreforinquiry.ca loislwr@gmail.com - [Lectures and Talks](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-podcasts/podcast-lectures/) - [History and Mandate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/history-and-mandate/) - A Brief History of the Centre for Inquiry Canada (2005 - 2015) Dr. Paul Kurtz, Founder Center For Inquiry (US) The ongoing story of the founding, development and growth of the Centre For Inquiry Canada (CFIC or CFI Canada) is one of challenge and opportunity as CFIC emerges from the combined efforts and resources of a diverse group of dedicated - [EDUCATION](https://centreforinquiry.ca/education/) - Centre For Inquiry Canada is a registered educational charity. Our mission is to provide education and training to the public in the application of skeptical, secular, rational and humanistic inquiry through conferences, symposia, lectures, published works and the maintenance of a library. CFIC Perspectives CFI Canada fosters a community that values education and learning through - [SCIENCE](https://centreforinquiry.ca/science/) - CFI Canada is committed to the promotion of science and evidence-based practices throughout Canada. To view CFIC's latest posts and science news, please visit our Science Archives. Deadly and Dangerous Pseudoscience and Superstition In 2014, CFIC began an active program to investigate and report on pseudo-scientific incursions into healthcare and education. Our Consumer Education - [HUMAN RIGHTS](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanrights/) - CFI Canada is committed to the promotion of secularism as an essential component of protecting human rights in Canada and around the world. To view CFIC’s latest posts and secularism and human rights news, please visit our Human Rights Archives. CFI Canada engages in education and activism that is meant to raise awareness around issues of skepticism, secularism and science-based policy. - [International Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/international-human-rights/) - As an educational charity, CFI Canada's primary mission is to educate Canadians about the importance of evidence-based approaches of secularism and science. When fanaticism is allowed to push reason aside, human right violations and violence seem to be inevitable. CFIC provides examples from several of the world's trouble spots as an educational tool for the public - [Physician-Assisted Death](https://centreforinquiry.ca/physician-assisted-death/) - Did you know that most Canadians want the right to physician-assisted death? On February 6, the Supreme Court unanimously struck down the laws against physicians helping someone end their own life (assisted suicide) and actively ending someone’s life at their request (consent to death). Individuals seeking help must have a grievous and irremediable medical condition - [Secular Human Rights Campaigns](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanrights/campaigns/) - CFIC is committed to educational and advocacy programs which support the secular human rights which protect all people from persecution, bigotry and violence. Following are a selection of our priority programs and activities to promote secular human rights. End Blasphemy Laws In January of 2015, CFI Canada stepped up to be a leader and co-founder of the - [Deceptive mind discussion ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/deceptive-mind/) - [Secular, Humanist and Freethought Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/who-we-are/related-organizations/) - Center For Inquiry (US) - http://www.centerforinquiry.net/ CFI is the US sister-organization for Centre for Inquiry Canada. It acts to promote reason, science and secularism in the US. International Humanist and Ethical Union - http://iheu.org/ James Randi Education Foundation – http://www.randi.org/site/ The James Randi Educational Foundation is an educational charity which works - [CFIC's Ethical Perspectives](https://centreforinquiry.ca/education/background/) - Eupraxsophy Paul Kurtz, the philosopher who created Center For Inquiry (US) in 1991, also coined the term "Eupraxsophy" and presented it in his book Living Without Religion: Eupraxsophy in 1994. According to Kurtz, there was at the time no word to adequately describe what humanism "is". Kurtz argued that humanism involved "a method of inquiry, a cosmic - [Conferences](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/conferences/) - Conferences provide an opportunity for CFIC's often widely dispersed community to get together, share information, and build networks. CFI Canada is pleased to present 2 annual regional conferences. Here are some highlights of past conferences. Imagine No Religion 3 The third annual CFI Canada Western conference took place in Kamloops, BC, May 17-19, 2013. - [CFI Canada Student Campus Groups](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/cfi-canada-student-campus-groups/) - |RESOURCES|AFFILIATION Centre for Inquiry Canada hosts this Secular Campus Directory to provide ongoing support to student societies across Canadian universities and colleges. CFI Canada supports the Canadian campus freethought movement by assisting in the founding of student groups, providing educational and promotional resources, co-hosting campus lectures and debates, and providing training, recruitment and capacity building to sustain and grow - [CFI Canada Podcasts](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-podcasts/) - [Centre For Inquiry Canada Podcast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/centre-for-inquiry-canada-podcast/) - CFI Canada's Podcast and Audio Library. Enjoy recordings of CFI Canada events, lectures, discussions and more. Featured Podcasts and Audio Files Coming Soon: Podcast 1 - A Presentation by author Carolyn Hyppolite recorded at the CFI Canada office launching her book Still Small Voices Members Only Members of CFI Canada receive access - [Debates & Discussions](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-podcasts/podcast-debates/) - [Interviews](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-podcasts/podcast-interviews/) - [CFIDiscourse #1: A Christian in Favour of Atheist Billboards](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfidiscourse/a-christian-in-favour-of-atheist-billboards/) - discourse‎ [n,v]: the use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas CFI Canada Discourse provides a forum for discussion of topics and issues related to CFI Canada's mandate to promote science, reason, and secular values. Click for more information, or to find out how to contribute to the discussion. The opinions on these pages do - [CFIDiscourse #2: On Pseudo-skepticism and the Vice of Open-Mindedness](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfidiscourse/on-pseudo-skepticism-and-the-vice-of-open-mindedness/) - discourse‎ [n,v]: the use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas CFIDiscourse provides a forum for discussion of topics and issues related to CFI Canada's mandate to promote science, reason, and secular values. Click for more information, or to find out how to contribute to the discussion. The opinions on these pages do not necessarily - [Put a CFI billboard in YOUR community](https://centreforinquiry.ca/put-a-cfi-billboard-in-your-community/) - [xyz-ihs snippet="BillboardCampaign"] - [Become a CFI Canada Student Affiliate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/become-a-cfi-canada-student-affiliate/) - CFI CANADA|CAMPUS OUTREACH|CAMPUS GROUPS|RESOURCES|AFFILIATION|CFI TRANSNATIONAL| Do you have an atheist/secularist/skeptic campus group? To have your university, college, or highschool group become an official affiliate of CFI Canada, email us at oncampus@cficanada.ca or fill out the CFI Campus Group Affiliation Form. - [CFI Canada Resources for Students](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/cfi-canada-resources-for-students/) - CFI CANADA|CAMPUS OUTREACH|CAMPUS GROUPS|RESOURCES|AFFILIATION|CFI TRANSNATIONAL| Resources for Students Getting Organized • Skeptical Activism Campaign Manual: Click here • New! Group Organizing Guide Online -- coming soon! • Volunteer Management Presentation from Jen Beahan • Event Planning Presentation from Dren Asselmeier • Original Group Organizing Guide (PDF) • Speakers Bureau • Activism Posters • Lectures and - [Dave 27:1](https://centreforinquiry.ca/dave-271/) - [Jenn 13:1](https://centreforinquiry.ca/jenn-131/) - [Without God](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanrights/campaigns/without-god/) - The 2009 Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign saw the Centre for Inquiry's ads first banned in cities across the country but ultimately succeeding after a Supreme Court case ruled in favour of freedom of speech in the public square. Now Pattison Outdoor has refused to run a new round of ads, which would have expanded the - [CFI to file human rights complaint alleging discrimination by Pattison Outdoor in Vancouver](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-press-releases/cfi-to-file-human-rights-complaint-alleging-discrimination-by-pattison-outdoor-in-vancouver/) - Atheist advertisements have been rejected in Vancouver - again. The 2009 Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign saw the Centre for Inquiry's ads first banned in cities across the country but ultimately succeeding after a Supreme Court case ruled in favour of freedom of speech in the public square. Now Pattison Outdoor has refused to run a - [CFI Canada 2014: Moving Forward ](https://centreforinquiry.ca/2014_moving_forward/) - CFI Canada works to combat the harm of superstition, pseudoscience and religion by advancing the values of reason, science and secularism through education, activism and community. CFI Canada is in the midst of planning for 2014. Our mandate covers secularism, atheism, pseudoscience and skepticism. What do you think are the most important initiatives we should - [Center for Inquiry - US Campus Affiliates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/get-involved/center-for-inquiry-us-campus-affiliates/) - CFI CANADA|CAMPUS OUTREACH|CAMPUS GROUPS|RESOURCES|AFFILIATION|CFI TRANSNATIONAL| Information on Center for Inquiry US Campus outreach is available here. - [Canada Deserves Better Than Pope John Paul II Day](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-press-releases/canada-deserves-better-than-pope-john-paul-ii-day/) - Canada Deserves Better Than Pope John Paul II Day: National Organization for Atheists TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 15, 2013) - The Centre for Inquiry's Petition to the Senate to Oppose Pope John Paul II Day (Bill C-266) surpassed 2500 signatures in its first week. CFI is troubled that the late pontiff enjoyed a free pass - [CFI Canada Press Releases](https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfi-canada-press-releases/) - [Press Centre](https://centreforinquiry.ca/press/) - CFI Canada is national educational charity combating the harms of superstition, pseudoscience and religion. We are proud to be the go-to source for media seeking commentary and expertise on the following topics: - Religion - Alternative medicine - Secularism - Atheism - Supernatural or Paranormal Claims - Psychics For more information about Centre for Inquiry - [Projects](https://centreforinquiry.ca/humanrights/projects/) - One School System Network The Centre for Inquiry was a founding member of the One School System Network, a coalition of secular advocacy, religious, civil rights, and teacher and trustee organizations that joined forces to demand the end of government funded Roman Catholic public schools in Ontario. The coalition was founded in 2007 in the ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/uncategorized/) - [Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/) - [Debate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/debate/) - [Media Advisory](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/mediaadvisory/) - Media Advisory - [Video](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/videocategory/) - Video - [Event](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/eventcategory/) - Event - [Announcement](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/announcement/) - Announcements. The newest of these posts get displayed on the front page. - [Policy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/policycategory/) - Policy - [Position Paper](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/positionpaper/) - Position Paper - [Educational Material](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/education/educationalmaterial/) - Educational Material - [Press Release](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/press-release/) - [Amateur Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/amateur-science-science/) - [Information](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/information/) - [Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/human-rights/) - [Education](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/education/) - [Blasphemy Laws](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/blasphemy-laws/) - [Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID)](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/medical-assistance-in-dying/) - [Secularism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/) - [International Human Rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/human-rights/international-human-rights/) - [Secular Check](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/secularchek-secularism/) - [Blasphemy Laws](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/blasphemy/) - [Secularism in Schools](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/secular-schools/) - [ScienceChek](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/sciencechek/) - [Medicine](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/science-based-medicine/) - [Kids for Inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/education/kids-for-inquiry/) - [CFI Community](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/community/) - [Living without Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/community/living-without-relgion/) - [Secular Sobriety](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/community/secular-sobriety/) - [Think Check](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/thinkcheck/) - [Book Review](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/book-review/) - [critical thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/critical-thinking/) - [Science Literacy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/critical-thinking/science-literacy/) - [office of religious freedom](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/office-of-religious-freedom/) - [Secular Rescue](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/secular-rescue/) - [philosophy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/critical-thinking/philosophy/) - [a4a](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/a4a/) - [assistance for apostates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/assistance-for-apostates/) - [CFIC Volunteers](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/cfic-volunteers/) - [Cost of Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/cost-of-religion/) - [slider](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/slider/) - These posts automatically appear in the front-page slider. - [critical links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/critical-links/) - [podcast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/podcast/) - These posts are either podcast episodes, or podcast-related. They will automatically be displayed on the podcast archives page. - [volunteer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/volunteer/) - [governance](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/governance/) - [in progress](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/in-progress/) - [humanism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/humanism/) - [skeptics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/skeptics/) - [Climate Change](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/climate-change-science/) - [Give to CFIC](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/give-to-cfic/) - [Nutrition](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/nutrition/) - [space](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/space/) - [pseudoscience](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/pseudoscience/) - [brain science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/brain-science/) - [Secular Quick Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/secularism/secular-quick-links/) - [Science Quick Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/science-quick-links/) - [Quick Links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/quick-links/) - [quicklinks](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/quicklinks/) - [health](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/health/) - [environment](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/science/environment/) - [Critical Thinking Week](https://centreforinquiry.ca/category/critical-thinking/critical-thinking-week/) ## Tags - [Uganda](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/uganda/) - [School](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/school/) - [Catholic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/catholic/) - [Government](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/government/) - [Okanagan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/okanagan/) - [Calgary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/calgary/) - [Toronto](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/toronto/) - [Montreal](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/montreal/) - [Ontario](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/ontario/) - [Atheism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/atheism/) - [Secularism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/secularism/) - [Humanism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/humanism/) - [Skepticism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/skepticism/) - [Religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/religion/) - [Islam](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/islam/) - [Politics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/politics/) - [Education](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/education/) - [LGBT](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/lgbt/) - [Pseudoscience](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/pseudoscience/) - [CFI Calgary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfi-calgary/) - [CFI Vancouver](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfi-vancouver/) - [CFI Saskatoon](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfi-saskatoon/) - [information](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/information/) - [Darwin Day](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/darwin-day/) - [University of Saskatchewan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/university-of-saskatchewan/) - [secular](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/secular/) - [Cafe inquiry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cafe-inquiry/) - [discussion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/discussion/) - [kids](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/kids/) - [astronomy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/astronomy/) - [mental health](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/mental-health/) - [families](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/families/) - [social](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/social/) - [park](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/park/) - [protest](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/protest/) - [Sylvia Browne](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/sylvia-browne/) - [psychics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/psychics/) - [activism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/activism/) - [children](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/children/) - [Pride](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/pride/) - [Equality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/equality/) - [introduction](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/introduction/) - [CFI Regina](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfi-regina/) - [Saskatchewan](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/saskatchewan/) - [Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/events/) - [medicine](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/medicine/) - [help](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/help/) - [support](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/support/) - [CFI Halifax](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfi-halifax/) - [welcome](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/welcome/) - [Skeptics in the Pub](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/skeptics-in-the-pub/) - [The Revisionaries](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/the-revisionaries/) - [documentary](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/documentary/) - [video](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/video/) - [Don McLeroy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/don-mcleroy/) - [Texas](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/texas/) - [Creationism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/creationism/) - [Intelligent Design](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/intelligent-design/) - [Nigeria](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/nigeria/) - [Boko Haram](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/boko-haram/) - [Zena Ryder](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/zena-ryder/) - [Sudbury](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/sudbury/) - [Medical](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/medical/) - [blasphemy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/blasphemy/) - [human rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/human-rights-2/) - [criminal code](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/criminal-code/) - [philosophy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/philosophy/) - [free will](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/free-will/) - [river](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/river/) - [cleanup](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cleanup/) - [Science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/science/) - [critical thinking](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/critical-thinking/) - [scientific skepticism](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/scientific-skepticism/) - [Secular Check](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/secularcheck/) - [puzzles](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/puzzles/) - [skepticamp](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/skepticamp/) - [KFI](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/kfi/) - [critical links](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/critical-links/) - Items that have appeared in CFIC’s monthly Critical Links newsletter https://centreforinquiry.ca/critical-links/ - [Garage Sale](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/garage-sale/) - [o](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/o/) - [Religious bigotry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/religious-bigotry/) - [Abortion rights](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/abortion-rights/) - [Stop Faith Based Bigotry](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/stop-faith-based-bigotry/) - [Periodic Table](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/periodic-table/) - [Statistics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/statistics/) - [clergy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/clergy/) - [Right to choose](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/right-to-choose/) - [Abortion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/abortion/) - [Darwin](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/darwin/) - [Evolution](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/evolution/) - [secular-rescue](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/secular-rescue/) - [conundrums](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/conundrums/) - [covid-19](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/covid-19/) - [vaccines](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/vaccines/) - [assistance for apostates](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/assistance-for-apostates/) - [omer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/omer/) - [separation of religion and state](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/separation-of-religion-and-state/) - [funding faith-based groups](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/funding-faith-based-groups/) - [atheist](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/atheist/) - [refugee](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/refugee/) - [announcement](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/announcement/) - [date](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/date/) - [cost of religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cost-of-religion/) - [conference](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/conference/) - [Current Events](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/current-events/) - [Science News](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/science-news/) - [volunteer](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/volunteer/) - [donations](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/donations/) - [a4a](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/a4a/) - [podcast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/podcast/) - [environment](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/environment/) - [greenhouse gas](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/greenhouse-gas/) - [electric cars](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/electric-cars/) - [ecars](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/ecars/) - [hijab](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/hijab/) - [veiling](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/veiling/) - [one public school system](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/one-public-school-system/) - [hate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/hate/) - [misinformation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/misinformation/) - [population](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/population/) - [migration](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/migration/) - [climate change](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/climate-change/) - [global warming](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/global-warming/) - [immigration](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/immigration/) - [1](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/1/) - [FillYourLife](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/fillyourlife/) - [4](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/4/) - [artificial intelligence](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/artificial-intelligence/) - [fight pseudoscience](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/fight-pseudoscience/) - [understanding science](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/understanding-science/) - [cfic podcast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfic-podcast/) - [zack dumont](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/zack-dumont/) - [martin zielinski](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/martin-zielinski/) - [leslie resenblood](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/leslie-resenblood/) - [john e. moores](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/john-e-moores/) - [nasa](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/nasa/) - [cosmology](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cosmology/) - [astrophysics](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/astrophysics/) - [ben andrews](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/ben-andrews/) - [centreforinquirycanada](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/centreforinquirycanada/) - [cfic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/cfic/) - [hormones](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/hormones/) - [physiology](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/physiology/) - [biology](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/biology/) - [oxytocin](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/oxytocin/) - [serotonin](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/serotonin/) - [endorphins](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/endorphins/) - [testosterone](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/testosterone/) - [estrogen](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/estrogen/) - [vasopressin](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/vasopressin/) - [B.C. Humanist Association](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/b-c-humanist-association/) - [religious neutrality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/religious-neutrality/) - [freedom from religion](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/freedom-from-religion/) - [April 15](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/april-15/) - [April 15 2025](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/april-15-2025/) - [yasmine mohammed](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/yasmine-mohammed/) - [clarity coalition](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/clarity-coalition/) - [umveiled podcast](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/umveiled-podcast/) - [zach dumont](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/zach-dumont/) - [leslie rosenblood](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/leslie-rosenblood/) - [superstition](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/superstition/) - [evidence](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/evidence/) - [objectivity](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/objectivity/) - [observation](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/observation/) - [logic](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/logic/) - [fact](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/fact/) - [April](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/april/) - [Democracy](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/democracy/) - [Spirituality](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/spirituality/) - [Psychology](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/psychology/) - [Debate](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/debate/) - [Truth](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/truth/) - [Gish Gallop](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/gish-gallop/) - [Sandra Dunham](https://centreforinquiry.ca/tag/sandra-dunham/)