As we wrap up 2025, Neil Silvert reflects on an incredible year of meaningful conversations with some of Canada's most important voices. From Members of Parliament to judges, legal experts to community leaders, Your Grey Matters brought you the substance and depth missing from mainstream media.

This wasn't about outrage or clickbait. It was about respectful, honest dialogue with people who understand how government works, where it's failing, and why informed citizens must stay engaged.

🎙️ 2025 FEATURED GUESTS:

Members of Parliament:
- Dan Muys - Beyond the headlines on government accountability
- Larry Brock - How Parliament really works
- Connie Cody - Fighting for Canadian families
- Dan McTeague - Energy policy and economic reality

Justice & Civil Liberties:
- Judge Harry LaForme - Rule of law, reconciliation & institutional trust
- Mark Sandler - Confronting antisemitism while protecting freedoms
- Gustavo Rymberg - Jewish community leadership in challenging times

Media & Community:
- Ryan & Tanya Davies - Northern Perspective - Fellow podcasters championing long-form conversation

What Made 2025 Special:
No shouting. No drama. Just real people engaging seriously with important ideas. Your Grey Matters proved that experience still matters and that meaningful conversation is worth preserving.

From all of us at Your Grey Matters:
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a Happy New Year! 🎄✡️

We'll see you in 2026 with more voices, more insight, and the same commitment to substance over spin.

#YourGreyMatters #Canada #Conservative #CanadianPolitics #Parliament #RuleOfLaw #Reconciliation #CivilLiberties #Antisemitism #LongFormPodcast #CanadianMedia #2025YearInReview #ThankYou #HappyHolidays

The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own, and are not necessarily those of the Your Grey Matters podcast or its owners. Topics presented are for general information purposes only.

The Your Grey Matters podcast, name, and logo has been created and is owned by Neil Silvert and Jason Silvert.

🇨🇦 When Law and Order Breaks Down, Everyone Suffers

This past weekend, Jewish families in Toronto woke to find their mezuzahs torn from doorframes - a targeted act of antisemitism that signals a deeper crisis in Canadian society. In this important episode, host Neil Silvert sits down with Mark Sandler, one of Canada's most distinguished criminal lawyers and founder of the Alliance of Canadians Combating Antisemitism (ALCCA).

For over 40 years, Mark has been on the front lines combating hate and training law enforcement. This conversation explores what's happening in Canadian communities right now and what needs to change.

🔍 Key Topics Discussed:
• The mezuzah incidents and what they represent
• Why this is fundamentally a law and order issue for all Canadians
• Bill C-9 (Combatting Hate Act) and why it's stalled in Parliament
• How ALCCA brings together 65+ organizations - Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Indigenous, Iranian and others
• The reality facing Jewish Canadians today: asking if there's still a place for them here
• Why enforcement of existing laws has been the biggest impediment
• Building bridges between communities through respectful dialogue
• What individual Canadians can do to make a difference

About Mark Sandler:
Criminal lawyer for 45 years, Mark is the founder and chair of ALCCA (Alliance of Canadians Combating Antisemitism). Former member of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, three-time elected Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario, and recipient of the G. Arthur Martin Medal - the highest honor in Canada's criminal profession. He's appeared before Parliamentary committees and the Supreme Court of Canada on issues relating to antisemitism and hate activities.

This conversation matters because what affects one community today affects all Canadians tomorrow. When we fail to enforce laws protecting any group, we undermine the foundations of our democracy.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction: Mezuzahs Torn from Toronto Doorframes
3:38 - Meet Mark Sandler: 40 Years Fighting Antisemitism
4:04 - Mark's Legal Career and What Pulled Him Into This Fight
7:31 - How Are People Reacting When Mark Reaches Out?
9:18 - Building Bridges: The Hindu Community Alliance
11:30 - The Indigenous Voice: Justice Harry LaForme
13:45 - Why Anti-Western Hatred Targets Jews First
16:22 - The Reality on Canadian Campuses Right Now
19:50 - "From the River to the Sea" - What It Really Means
23:15 - Police Training and the Failure to Enforce Laws
26:40 - Bill C-9: The Combatting Hate Act Explained
29:55 - Why Bill C-9 Is Currently Stalled in Parliament
31:29 - Is There a Future for Jews in Canada?
34:09 - Neil's Personal Experience: Fear in Hamilton
35:28 - This Is About Law and Order for All Canadians
37:06 - What You Can Do: Getting Involved with ALCCA
40:11 - Final Thoughts: Democracy Requires All of Us

Mark Sandler & ALCCA:
• ALCCA Website: https://www.alcca.ca
• Subscribe to Newsletter for Calls to Action: https://www.alcca.ca

Bill C-9 - Combatting Hate Act:
• Full Text: https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-9/first-reading
• Justice Department Backgrounder: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/c9/index.html

Related Episodes: Check our conversation with Gustavo Rymberg on community safety in Canada.

💬 Your Voice Matters: How do we balance free speech with community safety? Share your thoughts below.

👍 LIKE this video if you believe in law and order for all Canadians
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more important conversations
📤 SHARE with someone who needs to hear this

Visit us: https://ygmpod.life

The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own, and are not necessarily those of the Your Grey Matters podcast or its owners.

#MarkSandler #ALCCA #Antisemitism #CanadianLaw #BillC9 #RuleOfLaw #CommunityDialogue #CanadianPolitics #Democracy #CivilSociety #LawAndOrder #YourGreyMatters #Conservative #Canada

🇨🇦 From World War I to Today: The Royal Canadian Legion's Century of Service

Bob Thomas, a decorated Canadian veteran and legion advocate, shares incredible stories from his decades of military service and reveals what the Legion REALLY does for our veterans. This isn't just history—it's a wake-up call about the support systems our heroes need and deserve.

In this powerful episode, you'll discover:
- Why Bob lied about his age to join the military at 15
- The truth about Canadian peacekeeping missions in Cyprus, Egypt, Gaza, and Lebanon
- What happens when you lose a poppy (the heartwarming answer will surprise you)
- How the Royal Canadian Legion helps veterans navigate government bureaucracy
- The proper protocol for wearing your poppy (settle those family debates!)
- Why the Legion is a community hub—not just for veterans

Featured Guest: Bob Thomas - Canadian Army veteran, former police officer, recipient of the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers and King Charles III Coronation Medal

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Welcome to Your Grey Matters
0:24 - Meeting Bob at Remembrance Day
2:35 - Bob Thomas: A Life of Service
3:56 - Joining the Militia at Age 15
6:19 - Living Two Lives (The Age Secret)
7:18 - Canadian Peacekeeping Missions
11:46 - When You Lose Your Poppy
14:21 - Cyprus, Egypt, Gaza & Lebanon Stories
17:36 - John Beliveau in the Middle East
19:48 - What Does the Royal Canadian Legion Do?
24:42 - Supporting Veterans & Families
28:23 - Are Non-Members Welcome?
31:50 - Poppy Protocol: When to Wear It
33:04 - Thank You for Your Service

💪 As the Royal Canadian Legion celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, this episode reminds us why we must NEVER forget those who served.

The Legion isn't just about remembrance—it's about ACTION. They help veterans navigate Veterans Affairs, support military families, educate youth, and serve as community hubs across Canada.

👍 LIKE this video if you respect our veterans
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more incredible Canadian stories
💬 COMMENT: Have you visited your local Legion? Share your experience!

Visit us: https://ygmpod.life

The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own, and are not necessarily those of the Your Grey Matters podcast or its owners.