Letter To The Editor

Jeff Alexander wrote this letter to the editor, which appeared in Thursday's Montreal Gazette (March 11):

Re: James firm on niqabs in French class.

So Immigration Minister Yolande James has dug in her heels over the niqab ban in French classes, claiming such garments are against "our" values. Can we expect an elaboration on a) what this ambiguous set of values includes, and b) how many Quebecers are part of "our"?

Canadian values are outlined in two essential documents: the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Does the wearing of the niqab clearly contravene either the Criminal Code or the Charter? I agree that there are clear examples where identity is essential. Applying for a legal document and testifying in court come to mind. But a French class? Naema Ahmed would be hurting only herself and her ability to master French by hiding pronunciation and other visual cues of conversation.

If a government can curb the rights of an individual based on nebulous societal "values" that I might or might not share, I wonder what other activities in which I am currently engaged or beliefs that I hold also fall outside of them. Can I expect an MNA to speak out against the cross I wear around my neck or the fact that I read a Bible on the commuter train?