Tag Archives: Samer Majzoub

Reconciliation Cannot Be a Day on the Calendar

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By Samer Majzoub

On Sept. 30, Canada will once again wear orange as communities across the country mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honour residential-school Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on a painful chapter of our history whose consequences continue to be felt by First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities.

These ceremonies, educational activities and expressions of solidarity are important. But they should also prompt a more difficult question: What happens after the orange shirts are put away and Oct. 1 arrives?

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Its purpose goes beyond remembrance. It asks Canadians to confront the truth of what happened, listen to those who have carried its consequences and consider what responsibility follows from understanding that history.

Canada has become increasingly familiar with the language of reconciliation. We speak about it in Parliament, schools, workplaces and public ceremonies. Every September, we are reminded that “Every Child Matters.” The challenge is not whether we as Canadians recognize the importance of this day, but whether its meaning influences how we understand our responsibilities throughout the rest of the year.

The story behind Orange Shirt Day gives that responsibility a deeply human dimension. Phyllis Webstad has spoken about arriving at a residential school as a six-year-old wearing a new orange shirt that was taken away from her. Her experience inspired the Orange Shirt Society and the phrase “Every Child Matters.”

The history behind that message belongs firmly to Indigenous peoples and must remain grounded in the voices of Survivors and their communities. Yet the principle itself presents a challenge every Canadian can understand: if every child matters, dignity cannot be conditional; and if every person deserves respect, that respect cannot depend on belonging to the majority.

This does not mean drawing simplistic comparisons between the experience of Indigenous peoples and that of other communities. The history of residential schools is unique, and reconciliation must remain grounded in Indigenous history, rights and leadership. But we can learn from that history by understanding what can happen when institutions and societies treat cultural, linguistic or religious differences as something to control or erase rather than respect.

That lesson matters in today’s Canada, a country shaped by Indigenous peoples, generations of immigrants, dated to before the Confederation establishment in 1867, and communities with different languages, cultures and faiths. Diversity is not simply a demographic fact; it is part of our Canadian reality. Social cohesion requires more than asking people from different backgrounds to live beside one another. It requires listening, recognizing one another’s dignity and understanding that belonging to Canada should not depend on sharing the same history, culture or beliefs as the majority.

For those who did not experience residential schools or their intergenerational consequences, the appropriate response is not to speak over Survivors or place our own experiences at the centre. It is to listen, learn and recognize that knowledge brings responsibility.

That responsibility extends beyond government. Reconciliation cannot be achieved through declarations, ceremonies or symbolic gestures alone. It is built through everyday decisions in classrooms, institutions, workplaces and community, whether we choose understanding over ignorance, dialogue over division and dignity over exclusion.

This is why Sept. 30 should not be simply another date on the Canadian calendar. Wearing orange is meaningful. Attending an event is meaningful. Learning the history of residential schools is essential. But the deeper purpose is to ensure that what we learn does not remain confined to one day each year.

The real measure of reconciliation will not be the number of orange shirts worn on Sept. 30 or statements issued that day. It will be reflected over time in our willingness to listen to Indigenous communities, confront uncomfortable truths and build institutions and communities where dignity and respect are extended to all.

Truth asks us all, Canadians, to remember the past honestly. Reconciliation asks us what we will do with that truth in the present.

The orange shirt is a powerful reminder, but it is only a symbol. The greater responsibility is what we do after we take it off.

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

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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

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

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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

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*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 InvestmentAt DeathIf Spouse InheritsIf Child Inherits
RRSPFully taxed unless rolled overCan roll into spouse’s RRSP tax-freeFully taxed unless child is dependent or disabled
RRIFSame as RRSPTransfer to spouse’s RRIF tax-freeFully taxed unless child is dependent or disabled
TFSANot taxedSpouse can take over tax-freeChild gets value tax-free, growth taxed
Non-Registered InvestmentsDeemed sold — capital gains taxedGains deferred to spouseEstate pays gains; child taxed on future gains
Joint Accounts May pass to joint holderMay avoid estate delaysRare for children
Life InsuranceTax-free to named beneficiaryFull amount tax-freeFull 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 .

Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Economic Ties Between Canadian Provinces

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*Samer Majzoub

Canada boasts a strong and resilient economy; yet interprovincial trade remains hindered by a complex web of regulatory, infrastructural, and policy-related barriers. Despite having free trade agreements with international partners, Canadian businesses and workers continue to face unnecessary obstacles when engaging in cross-provincial economic activity. These challenges ranging from differing regulations and labour mobility restrictions to infrastructure gaps and tax discrepancies lead to inefficiencies, higher costs, and lost economic opportunities. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a more integrated and competitive national economy.

Obstacles to Interprovincial Trade

One of the most significant barriers to interprovincial trade is the inconsistency in regulations across provinces. Each jurisdiction sets its own standards for business operations, product labeling, safety regulations, and professional certifications, making it difficult for companies to expand beyond their home province. This lack of harmonization increases costs and discourages competition. Additionally, labour mobility is hampered by provincial licensing differences, preventing skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and construction from easily moving to where they are most needed. Infrastructure challenges also play a role, as Canada’s vast geography and uneven investment in transportation networks result in costly and inefficient movement of goods and services. Some regions lack adequate roads, railways, and pipelines, further complicating economic exchanges.

Another major issue is provincial protectionism, where governments implement policies that favour local industries at the expense of broader economic integration. For instance, restrictions in the trucking and transportation industry, such as varying weight and size regulations for transport trucks, make cross-border freight movement more complicated and expensive. Similarly, government procurement policies often prioritize local businesses over interprovincial competitors, reducing market efficiency. Marketing boards controlling supply and pricing in industries like dairy and poultry also create artificial barriers that limit competitiveness. Additionally, tax inconsistencies across provinces, including variations in corporate and sales tax rates, add administrative burdens for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions. The energy sector, which remains largely fragmented due to provincial control over natural resources and electricity grids, also suffers from inefficiencies that limit interprovincial cooperation and investment in shared infrastructure.

Path to a More Unified and Prosperous Economy To overcome these challenges, Canada must strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) by further reducing regulatory differences, eliminating redundant trade restrictions, and promoting a seamless business environment. Streamlining licensing and certification processes across provinces would improve labour mobility and allow workers to move freely, addressing skill shortages and boosting productivity. Similarly, investing in transportation infrastructure,

After Trudeau’s Resignation: Will the Community Play a Role in the Federal Liberal Party Leadership Election?

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*Samer Majzoub

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, the Federal Liberal Party finds itself at a crossroads, facing the need for crucial decisions within a tight timeframe. Trudeau, who led the party for several years, has paved the way for an internal election to select a new leader. This new leader will oversee the party and also act as prime minister until the general election later this year. However, the challenges are not limited to leadership change; the party is grappling with a significant decline in popularity, with recent polls showing difficulty in maintaining widespread support across Canada.

So far, several prominent Liberal figures have announced their candidacies for the leadership position. The Liberal Party has set March 9, 2025, as the date for the internal election. Candidates must declare their intention to run by January 23, 2025.

While some figures, such as Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Foreign Minister, and Dominique Leblanc, former Finance Minister, have withdrawn from the race, other potential candidates are still being considered. Many of these individuals have a history of engaging directly with community issues, which could make their roles during this period particularly significant.

The new leader will be chosen through a direct voting process by Liberal Party members. Though the election is open to all members, there are specific eligibility criteria for voting. Members must be registered with the party by January 27, 2025, be at least 14 years old, and be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold legal status under the Indigenous Peoples Act.

It’s important to note that, lately, the relationship between the community and the Liberal Party under Trudeau’s leadership has been fraught with tension, especially regarding the stance on sensitive issues such as the war in Gaza. Many community groups have criticized the Liberal government’s handling of the issue, leading to a loss of trust among community members in the party’s policies.

Despite these challenges, the political landscape in Canada requires that community concerns be integral to political party agendas. If the concerns of the community are not represented in party policies, this could have negative consequences, affecting the community’s well-being and its integration into Canadian society. Clearly, disengagement or distancing from decision-making could harm the community’s social and political standing, potentially exacerbating marginalization on key issues like civil rights, social justice, and economic opportunities.

The key questions now are: Should the community step back from the electoral process due to disillusionment with the Liberal Party’s past actions, or should it remain actively involved in the political process, ensuring its influence on policies that affect its identity and interests?

In fact, staying engaged is likely the best course of action at this point. Disengaging could have serious ramifications for the community’s future. The community must remain an active participant in the national political discourse, striving for positive change from within the political system rather than from the outside. This can be accomplished by supporting candidates who are attuned to the community’s concerns and who will ensure that its issues are prioritized in the political agenda.

The overarching question remains: Will the community actively engage in the selection of the new Liberal Party leader, or will it stay on the sidelines, deepening the sense of marginalization and weakening its ability to influence Canadian politics?

Positive Integration ; Confronting Hatred and Islamophobia

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Positive Integration ; Confronting Hatred and Islamophobia

*Samer Majzoub

Positive integration is considered one of the key social concepts that reflect constructive interaction between individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds within society. In a world that is increasingly diverse, with movements and migrations of people from different cultures, positive integration stands out as a fundamental tool to enhance peaceful coexistence and build diverse communities based on equality, justice, and mutual respect. From this perspective, positive integration becomes not only a social necessity but also an inevitable legal issue related to the right of citizenry. It is also a crucial tool in confronting hatred and racism, such as Islamophobia, which hinder coexistence and interaction among members of society.

The Concept of Positive Integration

Positive integration is an ongoing process aimed at integrating individuals into society in a way that enhances their ability to actively participate in social, economic, and political life without losing their cultural or religious identity. Positive integration involves building a bridge of understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of creating a society where everyone shares the same rights and duties.

Positive integration can be classified into several types, including:

  • Cultural Integration: This refers to the exchange of cultures between different groups within society while maintaining the cultural uniqueness of individuals and communities. This type manifests in mutual interaction between religions, languages, and traditions, which leads to enhanced mutual understanding and reduced cultural tensions.
  • Social Integration: This focuses on integrating individuals into social networks within the community, such as schools, workplaces, and social activities. The goal is to achieve interaction between individuals from different backgrounds, which contributes to building healthy and cohesive social relationships.
  • Economic Integration: This aims to integrate individuals into economic life by providing job opportunities without discrimination and ensuring they have full access to economic services provided by both governmental and private financial institutions.
  • Political Integration: This includes empowering individuals to actively participate in political life through voting rights, candidacy for public office, and involvement in decision-making. This type contributes to ensuring that all societal groups are represented in public authorities and have a role in shaping their own future.

Citizenry Rights and Positive Integration

The right to citizenry is the foundational pillar upon which positive integration is built in any society. Citizenry is not just a legal relationship with the state; it is a social bond that guarantees all members of society equal rights and duties. By guaranteeing the right of citizenry, individuals gain the right to fully participate in public life and enjoy the political, social, and economic rights provided by society.

Positive integration is closely tied to the right of citizenry, as it involves empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain equal opportunities in various areas of life. Citizenry transcends the legal aspect to include social and psychological dimensions, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging and equality in rights, which enhances their active participation in society.

Islamophobia and Hatred: The Challenges Facing Positive Integration

Muslims suffer from Islamophobia, which is an unjustified fear or hatred of Islam and Muslims. This dangerous phenomenon manifests in practices such as workplace discrimination, physical or verbal assaults, and violent terrorism targeting Muslim citizens and residents. In addition, negative stereotypes are often spread through media outlets. Islamophobia is considered one of the major challenges facing positive integration.

Hatred and racism, in general, also pose significant barriers to social integration, as they encourage social divisions and increase tensions between societal groups. Consequently, positive integration becomes an effective tool to confront these phenomena, as it contributes to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among all members of society.

Positive integration is a vital process that ensures individuals from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds can live together in peace and equality. It is closely linked to the right of citizenry, which represents the foundation for achieving justice and equality within society. In confronting challenges such as Islamophobia and racial hatred, positive integration can be an effective solution for building a cohesive society that recognizes the rights of all its members and fosters peaceful coexistence and cooperation for the common good.