The following leaders attended the opening session and brought greetings at the 36th World Religions Conference:
1. His Worship Mayor Berry Vrbanovic of the City of Kitchener
He was elected as Mayor of the City of Kitchener in 2014, after serving as a City Councillor from 1994-2014. In addition to serving on all regular standing committees of Kitchener city council and Region of Waterloo council, Berry is also an appointee and active participant on many boards and committees. He is also Treasurer of United Cities & Local Governments and is President Emeritus (2011-12) of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He is committed to improving the quality of life for residents in Kitchener and throughout the Region of Waterloo. He is a supporter of the World Religions Conference and is happy to join in the opening ceremony and bring greetings on behalf of the City of Kitchener at the 36th World Religions Conference.
2. Dave Levac, MPP and Speaker of Ontario Legislature
Dave Levac, speaker of the Ontario Legislature is pleased to attend the opening ceremony and bring greetings on behalf of the Brant riding of Ontario at the 36th World Religions Conference. Dave Levac is a long time supporter of the World Religions Conference and has many times moderated the conference when he was a school principal in Brantford. Later, he again moderated this conference in 2003 after becoming a MPP. He has been heralded by most MPPs and political commentators as one of the most effective Speakers in recent memory, presiding with dignity and integrity. Organizers of the World Religions Conference is honoured to have him at the conference.
The following leaders sent written greetings to the delegates of the 36th World Religions Conference: