Humanist Association of Canada
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Humanist Association of Canada (HAC) is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that promotes secular Humanism. Founded in Montreal in 1968 as a small, but active lobby group advocating for women’s rights, it has since grown to a membership of hundreds and includes regional affiliates across Canada. HAC is a member organisation of the International Humanist and Ethical Union. The official symbol of HAC is a version of the Happy Human.
The Humanist Association of Canada stands for ethics, reason, critical thinking, equality, justice and fairness.
In 1996, the Humanist Association of Canada was granted the right by the Registrar General to solemnize marriages in Ontario. HAC has over 20 Officiants from Sudbury, to Ottawa, to Niagara, who can perform all sorts of secular ceremonies, including marriages, funerals, memorials and child namings.
In 2007, HAC awarded the Humanist of the Year award to celebrated journalist, writer and philanthropist, June Callwood. HAC also gave a $5000 donation to Casey House, the world's first hospice for people living with HIV/AIDS. Casey House was founded by June Callwood in 1988 and is her most recognized charitable effort. A film tribute of her life and Casey House, was produced by Freethought TV.
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[edit] Notable Members
- Dr. Henry Morgentaler, president emeritus of HAC. Dr. Morgentaler is a Holocaust survivor, women's reproductive rights activist, humanitarian, and was the first president of HAC.
- Dr. Robert Buckman, president emeritus of HAC. Born in London, England, Dr. Buckman moved to Toronto in 1985. He is a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Hospital and the author of several books on improving patient care and morale. A media celebrity, his television programs include such hits as Magic or Medicine? and Human Wildlife, and he has also acted with the Monty Python comedy troupe.
2008 HAC Board of Directors:
- Patrick O'Brien, President
- Derek Kaill, Vice President
- Dorothy Hays, Second Vice President
- Linda Shaw, Secretary
- Eric Cowan, Treasurer
- William Broderick, Director and Editor of Canadian Humanist News
- Peter Lillico, Director
- Laura-Lee Balkwill, Director
Executive Director:
- Kathy Meidell
Financial Administrator:
- Kate Balogh
[edit] Activities of the Humanist Association of Canada
- Develops educational initiatives that advance critical-thinking and humanist culture
- Produces “Canadian Humanist News” (CHN) - a quarterly newsletter showcasing Humanist articles, news and events
- Trains and certifies Humanist Officiants to perform secular ceremonies
- Fosters socializing opportunities for members by way of online discussion forums, national annual events, and promotion of regional Humanist events across Canada
- Advocates equality for Humanists on marriage, civil rights, health and education issues, through press releases, petitions and events
- Facilitates the efforts of its affiliates by way of grants, website hosting and online event advertising
- Supports like-minded organizations that benefit humanity and the Earth
[edit] Regional Humanist Organizations
Humanist organizations across Canada:
- Humanist Association of Toronto
- Society of Ontario Freethinkers
- Humanist Association of London and Area
- Windsor Humanist Society
- Central Ontario Humanist Association
- Humanist Association of Ottawa
- Humanist Association of Manitoba
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- Secular Humanists of Edmonton
- Okanagan Humanist Association
- Sechelt Humanist Association
- BC Humanist Association
- Victoria Secular Humanist Association
- Mouvement laïque québécois
[edit] Humanist Ceremonies
Free from religious nuances and symbols, Humanist ceremonies include weddings, funerals, memorials, baby-namings, life commitments, or any other rite of passage that celebrates a special occasion or honours the life of a loved one. Ceremonies are performed by Humanist Officiants, who are trained by the Humanist Association of Canada and licensed by the Registrar General.
[edit] Canadian Humanist Publications
A not-for-profit organization, Canadian Humanist Publications (CHP) produces several publications. The most well-known, Humanist Perspectives, a Canadian Humanist magazine (formerly known as Humanist in Canada), was founded in 1967. Humanist Perspectives deals with issues concerning rationality, ethics, and Humanist culture [2]. This magazine is independent of the Humanist Association of Canada. Some of the most notable books CHP publishes include:
- The Jesus Puzzle, a skeptical look at the existence of Jesus Christ. The author is Earl Doherty.
- Road to Reason: Landmarks in the Evolution of Humanist Thought. The author is sociologist Pat Duffy Hutcheon.
[edit] IHEU's Minimum statement on Humanism
All member organisations of the IHEU are required by IHEU bylaw 5.1 to accept [3] the IHEU Minimum statement on Humanism:
"Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality."
