Speaker Profiles (44th WRC)

Following is a line up of distinguished speakers and scholars (and moderator) chosen to represent different faiths & philosophies at the 44th World Religions Conference on Sunday, November 22, 2026

The theme for this year's event is "From Battlegrounds to Common Ground". Resolving the conficts before The END. 

		Moderator Tim Louis, MP — Kitchener Tim Louis is the Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy. Representing a diverse community, he values listening, respectful dialogue, gender equality, and finding common ground. An award-winning musician and songwriter, Tim believes in the power of arts and culture to bring people together. He is honoured to moderate the 44th World Religions Conference.
		Representing Judaism Rabbi David Mivasair - Hamilton Rabbi David Mivasair, a 1991 graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, served for over 25 years as the spiritual leader of synagogues in Pennsylvania, British Columbia and Ontario. He lived for four years in Jerusalem and is an active member of Independent Jewish Voices Canada and Jewish Voice for Peace in the USA.
		Representing Hinduism Dr. Raj Balkaran - Toronto Dr. Raj Balkaran is Senior Manager of McMaster University's Spiritual Care and Learning Centre. A Sanskritist holding a PhD from the University of Calgary and an avid spiritual practitioner, he has written and edited six books, tutors for the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, and hosts the New Books in Indian Religions podcast. His work with the International Committee of the Red Cross examines Hindu ethics of war.
		Representing Islam Imam Naveed Ahmad Mangla - Ottawa Naveed Ahmad Mangla is a prolific speaker and Islamic research scholar with a passion for education and service. After graduating in Islamic Theology and Comparative Religions in Canada (2010), he trained as a missionary in Liberia and served in Toronto. He spent nine impactful years in Belize (South America) as National President and Chief Missionary. Today, he serves as Imam of Bait-un-Naseer Mosque, largest mosque in Ottawa.
		Representing Indigenous Jean Becker - Guelph Jean concluded a 30-year career in post-secondary education in 2025 as Associate Vice President at the University of Waterloo. Her leadership and commitment to community engagement have contributed significantly to Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation, fostering meaningful partnerships with local Indigenous communities. Jean continues to work with local and national organizations to advance positive change and support First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
		Representing Humanism (Atheist & Agnostics) Leslie Rosenblood - Toronto Leslie is the Secular Chair of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and host of Podcast for Inquiry, engaging scientists, educators, authors and public figures in thoughtful conversations on philosophy, ethics, religion, science and society. A passionate advocate for secularism, evidence-based public policy and freedom of expression, Leslie is committed to fostering a rational, compassionate and just society. He holds degrees from the University of Waterloo and Queen’s University.
		Representing Christianity Dr. Reina C. Neufeldt - Waterloo Reina C. Neufeldt is an Associate Professor in Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. With more than 25 years of experience in peace and justice initiatives, she teaches and researches peacebuilding, ethics, transformative dialogue and community-led change. Her publications include Ethics for Peacebuilders: A Practical Guide. Her current research explores histories of exclusion and responses to polarization and division.
		Representing Buddhism Venerable Zhi Guan - Mississauga Venerable Zhiguan, currently the Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, is dedicated to Humanistic Buddhism, spiritual care, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement. With academic training in Buddhist studies, combined with years of monastic educational service in Asia and Canada, she has developed extensive experience in Buddhist teaching and counseling, focusing on integrating Buddhist compassion and practice into Contemporary society.
		Representing Sikhism Rupinder Khangura - Brampton Rupinder is a student of Gurbani, the spiritual wisdom of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh Scripture and eternal Guru. Through sacred music, contemplation and selfless service, he explores Sikh spirituality and its guidance for everyday life. In interfaith settings, Rupinder shares Sikh perspectives while seeking common ground through humility, compassion, respectful dialogue and service to humanity. His professional background includes engineering, banking and AI governance.