There are several independent organizations who often work together for atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, skeptics, freethinkers, and other non-religious people in the National Capital Region who don’t want the beliefs or scriptures of others to influence public policy or affect their lives.
If you’re interested in joining any of these non-profit groups or attending their in-person or online events, click on the logos or follow the links below:
The Ottawa Consulate of the Atheist Republic hosts guest speakers and promotes secularism in all levels of government as the local representatives of the world’s largest community of not just atheists, but atheists who care.
Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC) Ottawa Branch hosts local online Zoom events such as the Secular Community Network’s weekly Secular Chat, the Living Without Religion support group, and a non-fiction book club. It also offers guest speakers and other activities through its national Virtual Branch and publishes the monthly Critical Links newsletter—all aimed at promoting science, humanism, reason, free thought, skepticism, and fostering secular communities.
Founded in 1968 as the Humanist Association of Ottawa, Humanist Ottawa (HO) is one of the most active secular groups in the NCR. They host in-person and online events throughout the year to advocate humanist values and a secular society, and to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people and other minorities. Its members will also help to support the 2026 World Humanist Congress from August 7–9 at the Delta Hotel City Centre in Ottawa.
The international Recovering from Religion organization is establishing a new chapter in Ottawa-Gatineau to offer emotional support and resources for believers and non-believers who have experienced faith-based trauma during their upbringing, are struggling with a loss of faith or change of beliefs, or who are navigating religious conflicts in their current relationships. Their website also offers 24/7 phone and chat support.
As one of the Skeptics in the Pub groups worldwide, this popular Ottawa social event takes place at 7:00 PM on the first Tuesday of each month at The Lieutenant’s Pump, 361 Elgin Street. Enjoy lively conversations with others at your table on topics such as current events and the questioning of extraordinary claims while using facts, rational thought and critical thinking.
Please note: Most of these clubs and associations promote their events at Meetup.com using “secularism” or similar search terms.
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