The Question

The Question

A New, Disruptive Community

The Dilemma

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In the politically correct dimension of the niqab debate, the issue and the outcome appeared to be a slam dunk. It was, after all, a question of Canadian values enshrined in our constitution – inclusiveness, tolerance and freedom.

These important values and Zunera’s right to dress as her traditions dictated were upheld by the second highest court in Canada.

The apparent public distaste for the government’s attempt to create division among voters more or less guaranteed the failure of the niqab debate as a re-election strategy.

Yet, lost somewhere in all the public outcries were a series of voter surveys regarding the debate.

In this video, presenter Frederick Tamagi discusses the results of those voter surveys.

Stephen and Zunera

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During Canada’s 2015 federal election campaign, Stephen Harper and Zunera Ishaq, a female Muslim immigrant from Pakistan unleashed a fierce and ill-timed mini-tempest over Zunera’s wish to wear the niqab during the ceremony granting her Canadian citizenship.

What became known as “the niqab debate” soon morphed into a mostly unwanted election wedge issue. The government issued a policy that denied Zunera the right to wear the niqab during the ceremony.

This policy was examined and officially struck down by Canada’s federal court as a violation of the charter of rights and freedoms.

In this video, presenter Frederick Tamagi explores the niqab debate and its consequences.