No, it was the Harper government that was on the ‘wrong’ side of the Niqab issue; they lost in the Federal Court, as on other occasions when they have tried to infringe individual liberties protected by the Charter. Neil Macdonald has an interesting article on the topic: < cbc.ca/news/politics/canada- … 79?cmp=rss >.
The irony of Harper’s position is that, as the article points out, he characterizes Niqabs as being symbolic of female oppression and then when Muslim women come to Canada a male dominated government tries to tell them what they cannot wear. They’re supposed to trade one master for another it seems.
The Liberals have the same position as the NDP, but they are turning out to be more effective communicators. Polls indicate that they will likely make greater gains in Quebec than the Conservatives. Justin characterizes the issue as being one of ‘pro-choice’ as in we may not like the choice but we respect the right to choose. The Conservatives will likely pick up a few seats, probably at the expense of the Bloc, but that only makes sense since neither of them are strong supporters of constitutional rights and the courts that decide them on especially thorny issues.
Personally I wish there was a law against men (mostly) wearing ballcaps in restaurants and at indoor events, but unfortunately its their right to look ridiculous and in some cases discourteous to the host. Them’s are fightin words no doubt, but such is life in a country with a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.