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“It seems to me that it’s the mayor and people like him who are politicizing it. I don’t think this should be an issue of contention.”

The Conservatives point to surveys showing public support for banning the niqab in citizenship ceremonies and they have jumped in the polls since the issue became prominent during the campaign, which will see voters cast their ballots on Oct. 19.

Kenney, who is currently defence minister, said Nenshi’s comments would have no impact on the campaign, either nationally or in Calgary.

And he said it would have no affect on his working relationship with Calgary’s mayor moving forward.

“We’re all used to Naheed’s running social commentary on everything. That’s nothing new,” said Kenney.

In September, the Federal Court of Appeal sided with a previous ruling from a lower court that struck down a government policy banning face coverings during citizenship ceremonies.

It has since cropped up as a political wedge during the election campaign with the Conservatives promising to take the matter to the Supreme Court and, if elected, introducing legislation to turn the policy into law.

Nenshi declined an interview request with the Herald Thursday, though he did respond to Kenney on Twitter by saying “‘People like me,’ eh? Let’s just assume (Jason Kenney) means ‘thoughtful people,’ shall we?”