The 75th annual Bahá’í National Convention was held at the Toronto Bahá’í Centre from April 25 – April 28, 2025. This year’s Convention held special historical significance, marking the 100th anniversary of the election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, at a convention held in Eliot, Maine in July 1925.
The Convention brought together 171 delegates from across Canada to participate in consultative sessions on community affairs, and to elect the national governing council of the Bahá’í community, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada.
The election of the nine members who will serve on the National Assembly for the coming year, is the result of a spiritual and democratic process in which delegates, in a prayerful environment, may vote for any adult member of the Canadian Bahá’í community, without any nomination or campaigning.
In addition to the election, the Convention provides delegates with the opportunity to consult on Bahá’í endeavours and community-building activities taking place in diverse localities across the country. A wealth of stories reflecting the spirit of service animating local efforts were shared, such as the efforts of a group of young people in Thunder Bay who, inspired by their participation in Bahá’í educational programs, undertook the sacred process of drum making to serve their community. Other efforts to contribute to the betterment of society through educational programs, social action initiatives, and participation in societal discourses were also shared. Members of the Canadian Bahá’í community, not participating as delegates, were welcome to attend the Convention as observers.
Since its election in April, the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly has met twice at the Bahá’í National Centre, located on the grounds adjacent to the designated site for the future National Bahá’í Temple in Markham, Ontario.
The following individuals were elected to serve as members of the National Spiritual Assembly for the coming year: Mehran Anvari, Alex Arjomand, Jordan Bighorn, Zelalem Bimrew Kasse, Nabet Fani, Hoda Farahmandpour, Ciprian Jauca, Karen McKye and Veronica Robinson.