Presided and Moderated by David Imrie,
CTV Reporter, Ontario, Canada

An experienced reporter and arbitrator, David has been with news team of CTV Southwestern Ontario for more than 30 years. Joined the news team as the Farm News Director for both radio and television in August 1977. Produced and hosted shows on television for 16 years. Assists on the assignment desk and as a producer of the station's newscasts.

The following is the line-up of speakers representing various faiths and philosophical traditions tselected for the 27th World Religions Conference on the theme "How Religion Can Protect the Environment", scheduled for November 24, 2007 at the prestigious Humanities Theatre, J. G. Hagey Hall, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The Order of speakers was determined via random draw held during the last event on December 2, 2007 at the University of Waterloo. The speakers are listed in this determined order.

1. Scott Mackay - Guelph

Representing Buddhism

An avid Buddhist practitioner, Scott has studied with teachers in the Threavadan Tibetan, and Western traditions. Worked in the areas of environmental restoration and planning. Holds a degree in the fields of Environmental Science and Physical Geography from Trent University at Peterborough, Ontario. Currently undertaking a graduate program in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. Has had a lifelong interest in environmental issues.

2. Tejdeep Singh Chattha - Brampton

Representing Sikhism

An articulate speaker and writer, Tejdeep is a practicing member of the Sikh faith. Founder of the SikhsAgainstGeocide.com and worked with the Sudanese community to raise awareness about Darfur. Founding member of Sikh Angel Foundation; a group that organizes blood drives around GTA. Graduated from the University of Ottawa Common Law program in 2007 and is currently articling at a Brampton law firm.

3. Chandrakant Kothari - Guelph

Representing Hinduism

A businessman and a thinker, Chandrakant is the President of Brahmarishi Mission of Canada and a founding member of Spiritual Heritage Education Network. Long time Rotarian and executive of the Guelph Provincial PC Party. Regular column writer on spirituality in the Guelph Mercury. Received numerous awards from the Lions International, Rotary Club of Guelph, Chamber of Commerce and from the Governor General for Outstanding Community Service.

4. Naseem Mahdi – Toronto

Representing Islam

An inspiring presenter and scholar. Naseem is the Missionary In-charge and Senior Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at, Canada. Graduate of Islamic Studies, with keen interest in world religions. Served the Muslim Communities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Canada. Chief Editor of the Ahmadiyya Gazette. Recipient of Governor General's Award for Community service. Strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, who has traveled across Canada each year participating in multi-faith events.

5. Daniel M. Berry – Waterloo

Representing Judaism

A scholar of Computer Science and Judaism, Daniel occasionally leads weekly Sabbath services at Temple Shalom in Waterloo, Ontario. PhD in Computer Science from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.A. Taught in many universities in Israel and North America. Authored and published biblical commentary on the first sentence of the Bible. Teaches, works, and publishes mainly in Software and Requirements Engineering.

6. Darren Kropf – Waterloo

Representing Christianity

An accomplished presenter and academic, Darren is the pastor of Breslau Mennonite Church, with responsibilities for youth and young adults. Graduated in Religious and Mennonite studies from the University of Waterloo, with a focus on Eco-Theology. Has been preaching on the need to care for creation within the Mennonite Church. Active in fostering healthy relationships with all of creation as the Creation Care Program Coordinator for the Mennonite Central Committee Ontario.

7. Doug Thomas – Elmira

Representing Humanism

Respected writer, teacher, and columnist for Humanist Network News, Doug is a graduate of the University of Western, majoring in North American History and Literature. An avid cyclist and advocate of bicycle lanes, he became an environmental activist while working as a Great Lakes Institute Marine technician. A lifelong Agnostic, he is a director with the Society of Ontario Freethinkers and an active member of the Humanist Association of Canada.

8. Jake Swamp – Cornwall

Representing Aboriginal Spirituality

An immense speaker, author and inspirer of a new generation of Mohawk leaders and teachers. Jake is a former Mohawk Sub-Chief and representative on the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy for over 37 years. Traveled around the world planting “Trees of Peace” and inspired planting of millions of trees. Appeared on numerous television shows and authored children's books. Addressed numerous environmental and social problems.