When Parliament rises for summer, new law to be introduced to ban niqabs from citizenship ceremonies

OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – The federal government is supporting a move by Quebec to ban face coverings, like niqabs, from anyone seeking any public services. And now the feds are introducing their own legislation for citizenship ceremonies.

There’s not much time before Parliament rises for summer, but Minister of State for Multiculturalism Tim Uppal says Ottawa will put forward a proposed new law, banning face coverings from all citizenship ceremonies.

“We find that anyone joining a Canadian family at that time would have their face uncovered.”

He supports Quebec’s move towards a ban. “And Canadians would agree that when you’re either receiving or giving public services, that you would have your face uncovered.

Uppal adds the government is looking at other options, such as banning the face coverings for those providing or receiving federal services.

Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau isn’t on board. “As always, my deepest concern is around the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and making sure all Canadians rights are respected.”

Many face coverings are religious and Liberal Carolyn Bennet tells me she disagrees with the government’s position. “I don’t understand this. It’s exclusive instead of inclusive.”

Earlier this year the prime minister said face coverings are rooted in a culture that is ‘anti-women.’