Canadian Polemic

In a move that's sure to have Jack Layton grinning widely today, the Muslim Canadian Congress endorsed the New Democrats in the upcoming election. While the MCC isn't the only organization representing Canada's Muslim communities, I think it's pretty telling to note that it has never before endorsed a political party. The Liberals have long been the party of choice for Canada's immigrants and minority populations, and while I don't think they've lost that support for good, they're perhaps not working as hard to earn it as some of the other parties. I'm not sure how much this'll hurt the Grits in the election - I don't know how prominent the MCC is in the Muslim community, but it's certainly a blow in terms of votes. It could, I suppose, be a watershed moment from which the LPC ceases to be the party of Canada's immigrants - or it could not. Nonetheless, I think it's an interesting development.

As far as I'm concerned, though - and I know it's probably bad politics - political parties shouldn't aim to win over the Muslim, Indo-Canadian, Jewish, female, elderly, Chinese or whatever populations with specific policies and ideas. Enough already with the special interest groups and catering to every single minority and specific request/situation - let's look at the things that are common to all Canadians, and put together a national vision that includes everyone. It's possible, though certainly more challenging than putting together a myriad of different plans for a myriad of different ethnic or demographic groups. And it's better in the long-run.