The trend of over-simplification or what some may call “dumbing” down of politics is troubling. It offers the illusion that politicians are at work but what they really are doing is distracting Canadians from the fact that they have been avoiding the real issues.

One of the best examples for this trend is the Conservative’s party approach to the so called “ethnic” communities (as if some of us are without ethnicity). The media have been occasionally reporting on how active Jason Kenney, the minister of citizenship and immigration in reaching out to those communities. When following his activities, one cannot help but conclude that the Conservatives idea of seducing voters from multicultural backgrounds rests on one simple notion: Show up to their events, make some remarks opening with few words in their mother tongue, and voila! expect the audience and their families to automatically support you politically.

This over-simplification is frankly disturbing if not offensive.

Canadians are diverse culturally, economically, socially and politically. They deserve political leaders who demonstrate that they understand the depth and complexity of this diversity. That leaders are aware of the different needs and opportunities that face our country.

Multicultural communities share the same concerns with the rest of Canada. They want a growing economy, an accessible healthcare system, an affordable world class education, a sustainable environment, reduction in poverty, fairness in our society and judicial system and foreign policy that promotes peace and justice. In addition, they seek assurances for equal and full citizenship, respect and understanding for their faith and culture, safe space to practice their faith and culture, protection against stereotyping and discrimination, welcoming political leadership that would stand up for their equal rights and invite them to participate in society as full citizens.

Let’s examine the Conservatives’ record on the issue of multiculturalism:

Those are just examples of some visible practices. I can only imagine what is being done behind the curtains.

Democracy works when political leaders compete for serving the interests of Canadians. Attending celebratory events is important and useful, but it is not an end. Canadians deserve leaders who at their core understand our diversity and aspirations and demonstrate their understanding through policies.

To be fair, Conservatives don’t have a monopoly on having a simplistic and vacuous approach when dealing with multiculturalism or multicultural communities, but the Conservatives are unique in having a philosophical allergy to accepting the evolution of Canada as a truly multicultural society.

Ultimately, I suspect, Canadians from multicultural communities will support leaders who offer ideas for the broader issues. They will also support real policies that protect their rights and identities within our society.