In Quebec debate, niqab issue produces sparks
OTTAWA — In March, one of Quebec’s top columnists, Montreal-based Yves Boisvert, opened up a column in his newspaper La Presse this way: “Have you noticed? These days, in Montreal, several sentences begin with ‘it’s rare that I agree with Stephen Harper, but …’ “
Boisvert was talking about the niqab and the Harper government’s opposition to those who would cover their face when they take the oath of citizenship.
“He is right,” Boisvert wrote. “A country is not Islamophobic because it tells its newcomers that on that solemn day when you become citizens of Canada, you must show your face.”
Last night, Boisvert was one of the journalists putting questions to five party leaders in the first French language leaders’ debate of this campaign. And 10 minutes in, the niqab issue was front and centre.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.