The niqab conversation in Canada isn’t going away anytime soon. Don’t think that whatever happens with Quebec’s Bill 62, whether it lives or dies, is going to neatly solve the issue and put it to bed for good.
How could it, with the number of Muslims in Canada increasing and the extent of their religiosity showing no signs of abating?
The Quebec Liberal government’s bill banning face veils is somewhat rightly seen as a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. There aren’t all that many women walking about the streets of Montreal in full niqab and burka coverings. For now.
But according to Statistics Canada, the Muslim population is going to double in 20 years to make up 7.2% of the nation, clocking in at more than 2.5 million people.
Will this demographic become increasingly liberalized and integrated, less likely to cling to intolerant old country ways? Don’t count on it. [Toronto Sun] Read more
