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BC Humanist Association

@bchumanist.ca
2.7K followers 38 following 528 posts

Reason, compassion and home. www.bchumanist.ca

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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 15h
Advance voting is coming up soon in some municipalities, so make sure you have your plan to vote and find out where your candidates stand using our Humanist Issues in Your Community voter guide. www.bchumanist.ca/humanist_iss...
bchumanist.ca
Humanist Issues in Your Community
Make sure you know where your candidates stand on the issues that matter to you
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 17h
On Oct 7, MPs vote on Bill C-218. This bill would permanently ban people suffering from mental disorders from accessing MAID, enshrining discrimination in law. Ask your MP to vote against this unconstitutional restriction on your rights. win.newmode.net/defeat-c218
Protect the future of MAID access: Don't make discrimination permanent. Defeat Bill C-218
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 28/09/2026
As we wrote earlier this year, there's a lot we should take from Quebec's efforts to disentangle church and state but that should not come at the cost of individual's freedom of expression and religion. montrealgazette.com/quebec-elect...
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 25/09/2026
New polling from Action Canada shows Canadians stand behind the right to abortion and want to see our government protect access around the world. www.actioncanadashr.org/about-us/med...
actioncanadashr.org
Canadians want Canada to lead on abortion rights, new polling finds | Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
· Eight in 10 Canadians (81%) support the right to abortion· Two thirds of Canadians (65%) agree Canada should play a leading role globally in protecting the right to abortion· Eight in 10 Canadians…
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Reposted by BC Humanist Association
Chris MacQuarrie @cmacquar.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This is super interesting, on the origin and context of land acknowledgements. (Spoiler: Not Australian!). Worth a read...
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Reposted by BC Humanist Association
Robert Jago @rjjago.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Here's something I've been working on for a while, that I'll be getting into a lot more soon. This is where Land Acknowledgements come from, this is what they mean, and this is how you've all been doing them wrong.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 24/09/2026
We've watched 1000s of public meetings, advocating for the end of prayers. In recent years, we saw the majority start opening with land acknowledgments. We asked Indigenous writer & historian Robert Jago to help us understand the history & context of this practice. www.bchumanist.ca/land_acknowl...
bchumanist.ca
New report traces Coast Salish origin of land acknowledgements
How did this practice become so common?
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 22/09/2026
Both Laurentian Valley and Pembroke still open every council meeting with a prayer. The former still uses the Lord's Prayer! When we challenged Tobique Valley, NB, earlier this year, they conceded immediately after receiving their legal advice. Following the law isn't hard.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 21/09/2026
Our latest report in The Saguenay Project is out: Amen, Again! revisits unconstitutional prayers in Ontario municipalities. There's been major progress, but many municipalities still opened their most recent inaugural meetings with a prayer. Our release: www.bchumanist.ca/amen_again_r...
bchumanist.ca
Ontario remains municipal prayer outlier, finds new report
Still 62 municipalities had prayer at their 2022 inaugural council meetings and 2 pray at every meeting
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 19/09/2026
4 years ago, we found that half of Ontario municipalities opened their 2018 inaugural meetings with a prayer. On Monday, our latest report will show that dropped to 17% by 2022. That's still the most we've seen in any province, but it's an improvement. Watch this space for our full report on Sep 21
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 19/09/2026
We just wrote to Kamloops' Mayor and Council demanding they cancel plans to grant a $12,000 annual tax exemption to a religious anti-choice pregnancy centre. They vote on the bylaw on Tuesday. Sign the petition to help send a message. www.bchumanist.ca/hopewell_pte
bchumanist.ca
Tell Kamloops Council to cancel tax break for anti-choice group
Sign the petition: Tell Kamloops council to cancel tax breaks for anti-choice groups
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 15/09/2026
The War on Drugs is rooted in a 19th century white Christian moral framework. We've supported those who have refused mandatory religious-based treatment programs. This Friday's rally will challenge local politicians to reject the drug war framework and support evidence-based policies to save lives.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 15/09/2026
We told the Vancouver Sun: "At a very min­imum, we should see effect­ive refer­rals at pub­licly fun­ded clin­ics in BC.” vancouversun.com/health/shoul...
vancouversun.com
Should B.C. doctors inform new patients of treatments they won't do because of religious belief?
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has ruled a B.C. doctor's refusal to treat a transgender teen with a prescribed medication as discriminatory.
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Reposted by BC Humanist Association
Humanists International @humanists.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Today, on International Day of Democracy, we are reminded that democracy is a core humanist value. Read our full declaration on Democracy here: humanists.international/policy/copen...
humanists.international
Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy: a humanist value - Humanists International
The 2023 World Humanist Congress, gathered in Copenhagen, adopted the following declaration on Democracy: a humanist value.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 14/09/2026
In Squamish, two councillors suggested asking religious groups to support the broader community to qualify for property tax exemptions. www.squamishchief.com/local-news/s...
Quote from article:
Couns. Chris Pettingill and John French noted that perhaps those who get a break on their taxes, like religious organizations, could be asked to pony up some space in the future for van life residents.

“Our faith-based organizations across the community are reinforcing the fact that there is no free parking. And I think that there is an excellent opportunity in the future for, at minimum, a conversation—potentially with any faith-based organization that might be interested in using that parking that they're getting a price break on, courtesy of the entire community—to potentially use that parking for a use that might connect to our van life community,” said French.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 14/09/2026
A record number of Canadians completed the most recent census on time! Let's hope this is a sign that lots were motivated to tick 'No Religion' on the long-form census.
canada.ca
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 10/09/2026
Apparently, neither the mayor nor the anti-choice pregnancy centre pay property taxes in Kamloops. But only one of them is getting away with it. Tell Kamloops council to stop giving Hopewell a tax break. www.bchumanist.ca/hopewell_pte
bchumanist.ca
Tell Kamloops Council to cancel tax break for anti-choice group
Sign the petition: Tell Kamloops council to cancel tax breaks for anti-choice groups
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 08/09/2026
Local elections are coming up in British Columbia! We're rolling out our 2026 Local Elections Toolkit to help humanists make an informed vote on October 26. Check it out and let us know what information you want to see. www.bchumanist.ca/localelectio...
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 05/09/2026
Last Tuesday, Kamloops Council ignored hundreds of emails and voted to give a tax break to an anti-choice organization. But there's still a chance to get them to change their mind. If you live in Kamloops, sign the petition: www.bchumanist.ca/hopewell_pte
bchumanist.ca
Tell Kamloops Council to cancel tax break for anti-choice group
Sign the petition: Tell Kamloops council to cancel tax breaks for anti-choice groups
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 01/09/2026
It's time Kamloops stops forcing its homeowners to pay for an anti-choice agenda.
infonews.ca
Lobby groups call on Kamloops council to tax Christian pregnancy clinic | iNFOnews.ca
"Council has a duty of religious neutrality and to uphold the human rights of its residents."
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 31/08/2026
Tomorrow night, Kamloops council is considering granting a $35,000 property tax exemption to an anti-choice "clinic." If you live in Kamloops, email your council members: win.newmode.net/hopewellpte
win.newmode.net
No tax breaks for fake clinics
Tell Kamloops Council not to give a tax exemption to an anti-choice organization.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 30/08/2026
Christian Nationalism isn't just deeply embedded in the Alberta separatist movement, it's literally on the bus. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Vold, the grandmother of 15, feels Christian values have been fading from public life, which is pushing society towards moral decline.

“For many, many years, the idea was you shouldn't mix church and state, right? I disagree,” Vold said. “The state should not be in the church, but people of faith should be in the state. They should be helping to guide the country.”
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 30/08/2026
A new report finds sex ed in BC schools "remains spotty or even non-existent, often centred on heterosexual relationships and focused on fear and stigma." But students are eager for more and better information.
thetyee.ca
Young People Want Better Sexual Health Care | The Tyee
A new report found respondents across the province wanted to see more inclusivity and less stigma.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 24/08/2026
After the military modernized its spiritual reflections policy, a Catholic Bishop in the military denounced it as a restriction on religious freedom. @HumanistCanada.ca president Martin Frith shreds the Bishop's claims in his response. www.humanistcanada.ca/response-to-...
humanistcanada.ca
Response to the 10 Aug 2026 Statement of the Military Ordinary on the 2026 CAF Reflection policy - Humanist Canada
By Martin Frith, President, Humanist Canada I have read with care the statement of Bishop Scott McCaig, Military Ordinary of Canada, regarding CAFMPI 03/26, Spiritual Reflections in Military…
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 19/08/2026
Congrats to France on its progress toward ensuring dignity and autonomy at end of life.
theguardian.com
France’s ‘aid in dying’ law comes into effect after constitutional approval
Right to assisted dying established for patients with conditions assessed as incurable and causing unbearable pain
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 17/08/2026
“What they want to build is a far-right, Christian nationalist-informed mecca for MAGA-type people. Zealots in Alberta. That’s what they want to build. And that’s what they’re building. They’re taking their cues from the kind of MAGA… the MAGA fringe in the U.S."
ricochet.media
‘God gave us oil, God gave us gas’: How Christian nationalism is shaping the push for Alberta's independence
A growing cross-border network of fundamentalists, oil-industry boosters, and Trump allies has taken an increasing interest in Alberta sovereignty, helping push an American-style political vision…
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 14/08/2026
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada called the policy "beyond banning prayer." @friendlyatheist.com says: "That’s bullshit, of course." www.friendlyatheist.com/p/canadas-mi...
friendlyatheist.com
Canada’s military tells chaplains: At public events, serve everyone, not just Christians
The Canadian Armed Forces’ new religious-neutrality policy protects service members from government-sponsored faith
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 14/08/2026
"The whole point is that Canada is making clear that the military, just like the government, isn’t going to take a position on religion, and anyone acting as a representative of the government is expected to follow those rules," writes @friendlyatheist.com www.friendlyatheist.com/p/canadas-mi...
friendlyatheist.com
Canada’s military tells chaplains: At public events, serve everyone, not just Christians
The Canadian Armed Forces’ new religious-neutrality policy protects service members from government-sponsored faith
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 12/08/2026
A roundup of selfies from World Humanist Congress 2026 in Ottawa. We spoke to people doing incredible work around the world and met many fans of the work we're doing here in British Columbia and across Canada.
Fifteen selfies of BCHA Executive Director Ian Bushfield with humanist activists at World Humanist Congress 2026Three pictures of BCHA Executive Director Ian Bushfield with groups of humanists in Ottawa at World Humanist Congress 2026.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 31/07/2026
Chaplains will no longer be delivering prayers at Canadian Armed Forces public ceremonies. A new "spiritual reflections" policy reflects the military's commitment to the state's duty of religious neutrality. www.bchumanist.ca/caf_spiritua...
bchumanist.ca
Humanist groups applaud modernization of Armed Forces ceremony policy
A new policy ensures spiritual reflections at military ceremonies uphold principles of religious neutrality.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 28/07/2026
At the upcoming World Humanists Congress in Ottawa, our Executive Director Ian Bushfield will be moderating a panel with Humanist Legislators from around the world. humanists.international/event/world-...
humanists.international
World Humanist Congress 2026 - Humanists International
Join hundreds of international delegates in Ottawa 2026 for the World Humanist Congress, a powerful forum dedicated to advancing humanistic values worldwide.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 23/07/2026
Oops we did it again. Our work has now directly led to the end of prayers at council meetings in Vancouver, BC; Parksville, BC; MD Bonnyville, AB; Tobique Valley, NB and more municipalities across the country. www.bchumanist.ca/tobique_vall...
bchumanist.ca
Tobique Valley "to no longer recite the Lord's Prayer" at council meetings
The unconstitutional practice has ended
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 21/07/2026
Another municipality has updated its practices to be more inclusive and compliant with the law, following our challenge. tj.news/fredericton-...
tj.news
Council ends Lord's Prayer tradition after legal threat
The District of Tobique Valley has stopped opening council meetings with the Lord's Prayer after advice following a threat of legal action
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 21/07/2026
Tobique Valley ended the practice of opening its council meetings with the Lord's Prayer tonight. www.bchumanist.ca/tobique_vall...
bchumanist.ca
Tobique Valley "to no longer recite the Lord's Prayer" at council meetings
The unconstitutional process has ended
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 20/07/2026
In about an hour (at 3pm PT/7pm AT), Tobique Valley will be having its first council meeting since we demanded they end the practice of opening with the Lord's Prayer. There's no prayer on the agenda but you can join us in watching the meeting to ensure its secular. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VOi...
Tobique Valley Jul 20 regular council meeting agenda
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 16/07/2026
Congrats to France on legalizing assisted dying! humanists.uk/2026/07/15/e...
humanists.uk
Enfin! France legalises assisted dying
France has become the latest European country to legalise assisted dying, after the National Assembly gave final approval to its assisted dying law, 291 for, 241 against. Humanists UK welcomes the…
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 15/07/2026
Great to see Humanist Canada's Janalee Morris on CTV News talking about World Humanist Congress, which is coming to Ottawa in August. www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/video...
ctvnews.ca
The 2026 World Humanist Congress comes to Ottawa
Humanist Canada's Janalee Morris joins us to help explore the role of humanism in addressing today's social challenges.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 14/07/2026
BC Human Rights Tribunal Chair Emily Ohler recently announced her retirement: "I have found it more difficult to find the energy to point out the same pressures, make the same asks, and fight the same fights in the absence of the tools we have needed since the start." www.bchrt.bc.ca/personal-mes...
bchrt.bc.ca
Personal Message from the Chair - BC Human Rights Tribunal
July 6, 2026 This August marks 5 years since my appointment as Chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal, with two years remaining in my current term. I stepped into the role in August 2021, after 5…
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 14/07/2026
We wrote to Tobique Valley, NB asking them to end prayers at their council meetings - a blatantly unconstitutional practice. Now they've scheduled a closed council meeting. We're hoping they see the light and opt to end the practice.
Notice of Special Meeting of District of Tobique Valley, Jul 16 at 6:30pm.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 13/07/2026
Like Canada, Australians are dissatisfied with census religion questions that overstate the religiosity of the country. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Losing our religion? Most Australians have no religion, census could show if question was changed
Ahead of the census in August, campaign group suggests current poll design overstates the nation’s religiousness
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 25/06/2026
Right now, medical assistance in dying is denied to those who lose capacity due to conditions like dementia. Allowing advance requests would ensure these people's wishes are respected. Sign the Parliamentary e-petition www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en...
ourcommons.ca
Petition e-7372 - Petitions
Petition details
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 24/06/2026
Tobique Valley, NB opens every council meeting with the Lord's Prayer. Local residents complained and council ignored them. Now we're challenging the clearly unconstitutional practice. www.bchumanist.ca/tobique_vall...
bchumanist.ca
Lord's Prayer challenged in New Brunswick town council
The BCHA is threatening to sue following complaints from local residents.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 22/06/2026
In our latest submission to the Supreme Court of Canada, we argue that the Court must consider the privacy rights of the ex-religious in a dispute over records held by the Jehovah's Witnesses. www.bchumanist.ca/scc_vabuolas...
bchumanist.ca
Defending the privacy rights of apostates at the Supreme Court of Canada
Do Canadians surrender their privacy rights whenever they set foot inside a church, synagogue or mosque?
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 19/06/2026
It's been a decade since Canada legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID). MAID has transformed end-of-life choice and care for thousands of people across the country.
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 19/06/2026
We just filed our recommendations for the next provincial budget. We're calling on the Government of BC to: ⛪ End automatic religious property tax exemptions 🎒 Phase out private school funding 🌎 Reinvest in climate change solutions www.bchumanist.ca/humanist_pri...
bchumanist.ca
Humanist priorities in BC Budget 2027
Fair property taxes, ending private school funding and climate justice
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 15/06/2026
As Canada looks to ban under-16s from accessing social media, it's worth looking at the effectiveness and impacts of these bans that are happening around the world. Humanists UK has issued a strong statement condemning a similar proposal there. Read their 🧵 and our comments 👇
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 10/06/2026
Meet our summer team! 🧵
Meet our summer staff 2026: Isabelle Easton, Elena Kugelstadt, Sarah Fowler, Christopher LeeOur team on our first zoom meeting
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 05/06/2026
We recently hosted @janiceselbie.bsky.social for a great talk on communicating across polarized divides. Watch it now on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffPH...
youtube.com
How to Avoid Prison After Family Dinner: Communication Strategies with Janice Selbie
In an era of heightened polarization, what tools and techniques can you use to keep the peace during large family gatherings. Janice Selbie spoke to BC Humanist members after our 2026 Annual General…
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 03/06/2026
Can religion be an excuse for opting-out of AI usage at work? Global News asked some labour lawyers. globalnews.ca/news/1187622...
globalnews.ca
After Pope slams AI, can employees request religious AI exemptions at work? - National | Globalnews.ca
The Pope's sweeping manifesto calls for the robust regulation of artificial intelligence, warning in his 42,300-word encyclical letter that 'technology is not simply a tool.'
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BC Humanist Association @bchumanist.ca · 02/06/2026
Scratch the surface of the Alberta separatist movement and you immediately find a white Christian nationalist.
theglobeandmail.com
U.S. church leader Doug Wilson declares strong support for Alberta independence movement
Secession is a step toward establishing a government ruled by Christian principles, pastor says
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