Elected representatives from Bahá’í communities throughout Canada gathered at the Toronto Bahá’í Centre from April 23–26 for the 76th Bahá’í National Convention, where they elected the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, the national governing council of the Canadian Bahá’í community. The Convention also provided delegates with an opportunity to reflect on developments in communities across the country, consult on priorities for the coming year, and strengthen a shared vision for collective action.
Delegates at the Convention shared experiences from diverse settings that illustrated how individuals and families are working together to strengthen the pattern of community life in their neighbourhoods. Among these was a monthly gathering for fathers that emerged in a neighbourhood in Sudbury in response to a recognized need for a space where men could come together for meaningful conversation. Through discussions on themes relevant to family life—including parenting, relationships, and technology—the gathering has fostered a spirit of fellowship and mutual support among participants, many of whom are newcomers to Canada.
The consultations throughout the Convention highlighted an expanding sense of shared identity and purpose—an ever-broadening “we”—as increasing numbers of people are striving to contribute to the spiritual and material well-being of their neighbourhoods and of Canadian society.
The election of the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly took place in a prayerful and dignified atmosphere. The Bahá’í election process gives each delegate unfettered freedom to vote confidentially for those of their own choosing from among all adult members of the Canadian Bahá’í community. Conducted without nominations or campaigning, the election is both a spiritual and democratic process, inviting delegates to cast their ballots in a spirit of prayerful reflection and conscience.
The following individuals were elected to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada for the coming year: Mehran Anvari, Alex Arjomand, Jordan Bighorn, Zelalem Bimrew Kasse, Nabet Fani, Hoda Farahmandpour, Ciprian Jauca, Karen McKye, and Veronica Robinson.