Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent cabinet shuffle showed an indifference towards multiculturalism and diversity.

But does it really matter?

That depends on who you talk to.

The Canadian population profile indicates that we are about 80 per cent white, 17 per cent visible minority, three per cent aboriginal and half female.

Harper’s new cabinet is closer to 97 per cent white, three per cent visible minority, less than a quarter female, with no one from the First Nations.

The Liberals were quick to pounce on this demographic discrepancy with a press release entitled Prime Minister Harper Snubs Canadian Diversity with Cabinet Shuffle.

Liberal Multiculturalism critic Colleen Beaumier retaliated by saying: "The composition of this cabinet shows a profound disregard for ensuring that the federal government reflects the society which it governs.”

"It is significant that Mr. Harper is unwilling or unable to bring competent culturally diverse individuals into his cabinet," said Ms. Beaumier. "Either that says something about Mr. Harper's attitude to diversity or it says something about his estimation of the quality of his own caucus  members. Either way, it's bad news for all Canadians who recognize the value of diversity."

Digging into the archives, Liberal spin doctors also pointed out that there was something more sinister about Harper’s colour and gender blind index.

"Canadians shouldn't forget that Mr. Harper's current International Trade Minister, David Emerson, previously panned Harper as 'intolerant of ethnic minorities' and his Minister for Public Safety, Stockwell Day, at one time even accused the Prime Minister of 'attacking ethnic and religious minorities,'" said Beaumier.  "Furthermore, Michael Chong, who was appointed as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs resigned from his position after Mr. Harper failed to consult with him  on a pivotal decision involving his department."

In contrast, the Liberal’s boasted that their leader Stephen Dion’s shadow cabinet brings their talents and unique cultural perspectives to key portfolios.

There has been little or no response from the Harper machine to these charges.

During a brief news conference after the shuffle, Harper said the new cabinet — his third in 18 months — “presents Canadians with a clear choice; a choice between strong leadership that is moving Canada forward or a weak opposition that would set families and taxpayers back.”

He said his priorities will be: defending Canada ’s sovereignty; keeping the economy strong and taxes low; tackling crime; protecting the environment; and strengthening the federation at home and abroad.

Without saying it, Harper was sending a message that he was more interested in prowess than pigmentation and duty rather than demographics.

While this is laudable, Harper’s election machine must be working overtime to prepare for some hard questions come voting time from ethnic minority groups and women.

If this cabinet is to set the tone for Harper to get a majority government, the administration needs to show that its women MPs are not just suited for the pink portfolios or its visible minority reps are just there for window dressing.

Most importantly, if Harper is serious about not playing the race and gender card when it comes to the governance of our nation, the same principle must be applied when it comes to endorsing and selecting party candidates for the general elections.

May the best man or woman, black, white or yellow - fight, stand and win.

The Conservative party should ensure that there is no race-based selection of their candidates especially in visible-minority dominated ridings.

After all what’s good for the goose, should be good for the gander.