On January 8, the Cotler Institute was honored to host Mr. Shuvaloy (“Shuv”) Majumdar, a Canadian Conservative politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Calgary Heritage (Alberta) since July 2023. Mr. Majumdar, who is considered the country’s first MP of Bengali heritage, has served on the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (including as vice-chair) and previously sat on the Standing Committee on Health in the House of Commons. Before entering elected office, he worked in conservative foreign policy and advisory roles, including as a policy adviser—experience that continues to shape his focus on international affairs and human rights.

During his roundtable meeting with Cotler Fellows and TAU International Students, Mr. Majumdar fielded questions on topics ranging from Canada’s environmental and foreign policies to US-Canada relations and fighting anti-Hindu hate in the country. In turn, Mr. Majumdar asked students to provide him with insights about Israel and their time in the country that they would like him to convey to Canadians, prompting responses that urged understanding the diversity of Israeli society and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The engrossing evening with Mr. Majmudar concluded with him passing on his words of advice to students, urging them not to be afraid to fail, treat others with kindness, and appreciate those who help you along the way.