The Power of Voting in Civic Engagement

Samer Majzoub

With Quebec’s provincial election set for Oct. 5, one question deserves more attention than it is getting: Are we truly partners in shaping the decisions that affect our society, or are we content to be numbers on a ballot, counted on election night and forgotten afterward?

For some, the answer may seem obvious. No party represents me. No one speaks for my concerns. No political leader adequately defends our civil rights. My vote will not change anything. The outcome is already decided. After repeated disappointments, it is easy to build a long list of reasons to stay home. But is withdrawal really the answer?

It is true that many of us may not find a political party that represents us completely. We may disagree with every party on important issues. But voting does not require us to endorse everything a party stands for. It is not a declaration of loyalty, nor is it a blank cheque.

Voting is the exercise of a fundamental political right. It is one of the few tools available to ordinary citizens to express their priorities, influence public policy, send a message and hold those in power accountable. One vote may not determine an election. But democracy is not measured by the power of one vote alone. It is built from individuals’ decisions to participate. When we withdraw, we are not necessarily punishing political parties or candidates. We are surrendering, by choice, one of the few instruments we have to influence the political process. This matters even more when a community feels that its concerns are being ignored or that it is increasingly the target of harsh rhetoric, political polarization and sweeping generalizations. The natural response may be to retreat. But retreat is not resistance.

Silence does not protect rights. Absence does not create influence. And disengagement does not make our concerns more visible. In fact, it can have the opposite effect.

If we do not vote, do not participate in public discussions and do not demonstrate that we are citizens with legitimate concerns, priorities and expectations, why should politicians and decision-makers place those concerns high on their agenda?

Our participation also sends a message beyond politicians. It sends a message to our youth. When we encourage them to vote, we are not simply teaching them how to mark a ballot. We are teaching them about citizenship about responsibility, rights, civic engagement and the importance of having a voice in the society in which they live.

The lessons we teach today will shape the citizens they become tomorrow. Indifference can become a habit. Passivity can become a culture. And over time, a community can be present in numbers while remaining absent from the conversations that shape its future. That is not the kind of legacy we should leave to the next generation.

Civic participation should not begin and end with Election Day. It is an ongoing responsibility. It means engaging with elected officials, participating in public debate, contributing to our neighbourhoods and institutions, speaking out when rights are threatened and holding governments accountable regardless of which party is in power.

So perhaps the real question on Oct. 5 is not, “Which party represents me completely?” No political party is likely to pass that test. The better question is: “How can I use the voice I have, however limited, rather than surrendering my right to influence the decisions that affect me and my community?”

We may not have an ideal choice. We may disagree with every party. And we may not see all our concerns reflected in the policies that follow the election. But there is a fundamental difference between participating, disagreeing, demanding accountability and continuing to engage and withdrawing, only to complain afterward that others made decisions for us. So let us participate. Not because a political party represents us completely, but because we represent ourselves.

Our vote may be only one drop in a vast stream. But the stream itself exists because of all those drops. Let ours be drops that carry a voice not numbers without one.

I previously wrote and published a similar op-ed in Arabic in Sada Online, addressing the same core theme : https://www.sadaonline.ca/ar/News/content/f71eac30-336c-4952-9fcc-cb5a72da88b6

Quebec’s Political Map in Motion: What the Latest Poll Suggests

Note: This point of view is based on polling released on April 15, 2026. The source link is included at the end of the piece.

*Samer Majzoub

The latest polling conducted by Pallas Data and analyzed by Qc125 suggests a significant reshuffling in Quebec’s political landscape. According to the survey discussed in L’actualité, the Parti libéral du Québec has moved into first place with roughly around 32% support, while the Parti Québécois has slipped slightly and now trails by a few points. At the same time, support for the governing Coalition Avenir Québec has fallen sharply, placing it roughly on par with the Parti conservateur du Québec and well behind the two leading parties.

Taken together, these numbers point to a broader transition in Quebec politics. The PQ remains competitive, but its slight decline suggests that some of its earlier surge may have been fueled by protest votes during the CAQ’s decline rather than a deep ideological shift toward sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Liberals appear to be benefiting from a gradual return of voters seeking a more traditional federalist option, particularly in urban and diverse regions.

The CAQ’s drop reflects a degree of fatigue with a long-governing party and a fragmentation of its previous coalition, with its former supporters dispersing across multiple parties rather than consolidating behind a single alternative. In this context, the Conservatives maintain a noticeable presence as a protest-oriented force that could influence electoral dynamics even if their seat prospects remain uncertain.

Overall, the survey suggests that Quebec is entering a more fluid and competitive political phase in which voters are still searching for a clear direction, making the next election increasingly unpredictable and potentially reshaping the balance between federalist and sovereigntist forces in the province

📊Intentions de vote au Québec, sondage Pallas Data:

🔴PLQ 32% (+5)
⚜️PQ 29% (-1)
🔵CAQ 14%
⚫️PCQ 14% (-2)
🟠QS 11% (+1)https://t.co/Ptkgp0PRCZ
— Philippe J. Fournier (@338Canada) April 15, 2026

A look at the latest poll; Close in Popular Vote, Divided by Regions: Quebec’s Political Race Tighten

By Samer Majzoub

The latest Quebec political polling suggests a highly competitive race between the Parti Québécois and the Quebec Liberal Party, with both parties nearly tied in the popular vote. However, this apparent deadlock masks an important electoral reality: vote distribution may matter more than overall support.

The Parti Québécois continues to benefit from stronger backing in regional ridings, which could translate into a disproportionate share of seats under Quebec’s electoral system. In contrast, the Liberals are gaining significant momentum, particularly in urban centres, but have yet to fully convert that support into a clear seat advantage.

Another key variable is the internal evolution of the Coalition Avenir Québec. Its upcoming leadership dynamics, on April 12, 2026, could reshape the race. A victory by Jean-François Drainville could accelerate the party’s decline, potentially benefiting both leading parties indirectly. On the other hand, a win by Christine Fréchette might draw support away from the Liberals, tightening the contest further.

Despite the CAQ’s weakening position, it remains a pivotal factor in determining the final outcome. Its voters could ultimately decide which of the two leading parties gains the upper hand.

At its core, the race is shaping into a broader political and ideological contest: a Liberal Party advocating for stability within Canada, versus a Parti Québécois promoting Quebec sovereignty. With several months still ahead, the trajectory of voter shifts and how they are distributed across the province will be decisive.

Lutte à deux PQ-PLQ: Legault sauve les meubles avant de partir | TVA Nouvelles

OPINION | Two Mindsets at the Table: The Businessman and the Economist

By Samer Majzoub

In an era when the outcome of a single negotiation can shift the course of markets, shape public confidence, or redraw trade lines, the mindset of the negotiator often matters as much as the substance of the agreement itself. Two familiar approaches stand out in public life and private boardrooms alike: the mindset of the seasoned entrepreneur and that of the careful economist.

The businessman’s perspective is shaped by experience in competitive markets, brand building, and deal making where results are visible and immediate. This style is assertive and pragmatic, relying on direct pressure, clear leverage, and a willingness to test limits in pursuit of favourable terms. It often treats negotiation as a contest in which decisive action and a clear win can break impasses and deliver quick results.

The economist’s approach, by contrast, draws on an analytical view of how decisions echo through broader systems. Guided by data, risk analysis, and long term considerations, this mindset values balance, stability, and the resilience of the institutions involved. For the economist, the best agreements are rarely dramatic or headline grabbing. Instead, they are designed to be durable, reasonable, and unlikely to produce unintended consequences that could undermine their benefits in the years to come.

These contrasting instincts each offer strengths and carry risks. A forceful push for immediate gain can break deadlocks, but if not carefully designed, may unravel later under pressure. An overly cautious approach may safeguard stability but struggle to deliver timely breakthroughs when urgency is needed. In practice, the best outcomes often emerge when the discipline of careful analysis meets the momentum of decisive action.

When these two ways of thinking find common ground, negotiations can lead to solutions that serve all parties more sustainably. A clear drive to secure tangible benefits, balanced by thoughtful planning and risk management, can help ensure that agreements do not simply deliver short term advantage, but also stand the test of time.

As global economic challenges grow more complex, leaders in both public policy and business would do well to remember that sustainable deals depend on more than a firm handshake or a headline announcement. They require the patience to weigh trade offs, the courage to act boldly when the moment demands it, and above all, the wisdom to keep tomorrow’s consequences firmly in view when decisions are made today.

Investment Transition Planning for Spouses and Children

*Highlights on Tax Impacts on Heirs.

When someone passes away, understanding what happens to their investments can be confusing , where we have both federal tax rules (CRA) and Quebec provincial civil law. This overview is intended to assist in explaining, in simple language, what happens to registered and non-registered investments after death, and how it tax implications affects your spouse and children.

Quick Comparison Table

Type of Investment	At Death	If Spouse Inherits	If Child Inherits
RRSP	Fully taxed unless rolled over	Can roll into spouse’s RRSP tax-free	Fully taxed unless child is dependent or disabled
RRIF	Same as RRSP	Transfer to spouse’s RRIF tax-free	Fully taxed unless child is dependent or disabled
TFSA	Not taxed	Spouse can take over tax-free	Child gets value tax-free, growth taxed
Non-Registered Investments	Deemed sold — capital gains taxed	Gains deferred to spouse	Estate pays gains; child taxed on future gains
Joint Accounts	May pass to joint holder	May avoid estate delays	Rare for children
Life Insurance	Tax-free to named beneficiary	Full amount tax-free	Full amount tax-free

Key Points to Understand

If your spouse inherits your registered accounts, they can roll them over tax-free. Ensure your spouse is named directly as beneficiary in the account.
If your children inherit your RRSP or RRIF, the value is usually fully taxed unless they are disabled or financially dependent.
Name beneficiaries directly in the account contract, not only in your will.
Quebec uses notarial wills and liquidators instead of probate and executors.
Incorrect or missing beneficiary designations can result in higher taxes and delays.

Simple Planning Tips

Use a notarial will
Review your investment accounts and life insurance policies regularly
Set up an RDSP for disabled children
Keep all estate documents up to date

More Information

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified legal professional .

samermajzoub

Racism is not an opinion, it's a "crime" . Just as hate speech is not freedom of speech, it's "evil".