Stephen Harper, Justin Trudeau face off over niqab debate

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau face off over a growing debate about whether wearing a niqab is a choice and when it should be allowed.

Voice Your Opinion & Connect With Us Online:

»»» »»» »»» »»» »»»
The National is CBC Television's flagship news program. Airing seven days a week, the show delivers news, feature documentaries and analysis from some of Canada's leading journalists.

[younanyounan]

why should we let religion influence politics im with Harper on this one

[WORLDNSHKNIGHT]

I'm not a conservative but I agree with Harper here.

1) The vast majority of Muslim women do not wear the niqab so arguing it is an attack on all Muslims is disingenuous. Trudeau seems to think all Muslim women support niqab-wearing- they do not.
2) 'Islamophobia' is a term all too often thrown around to stifle legitimate debate
3) Male jihadists have been known to use the niqab as a cover and given the very real threat western countries- indeed all countries face from violent Islamism, common sense dictatytes this can be a problem
4) How can a niqab- wearing woman effectively communicate say in a bank? It is an issue of etiquette as much as anything
5) Whilst it is true that some women choose it, it is plain dishonest to suggest they all do.
6) I am well aware that Canada prides itself on multiculturalism and tolerance as do many western democracies. But there is nothing intelligent about tolerating the intolerant and propping up backward practises because of cowardly political correctness!

I regard myself as centre-left on most issues but I find it incredible that a 'liberal' would be making excuses for the niqab. Justin Trudeau needs to explain why he thinks it is progressive for women.

[indianinja]

Lol remember when you could see more than one perspective on TV

[WildRoseCountryGirl]

I have a hard time taking Trudeau seriously.

[mellowandjello]

Last time I checked, this was Canada. We have our own distinct values and principles here. Although we pride ourselves on being multicultural, that isn't an automatic doorway to bending over backwards to foreign practices that don't coincide with ours. You chose to immigrate to Canada, now abide by our rules and practices. Simple as that.

[LB-jngu]

This is a prime example how multiculturalism just does not work in Canada.

[mohammedshussain]

back when I disliked harper do i miss him now

[videogurl]

Totally agree with Harper on this one!

[peacemaker-cxdn]

I'm with Harper 100% pretty soon Bye bye Trudeau!!

[mattk]

I got to meet Harper once. He's a badass. I only had time to shake his hand for a photo and say one thing: "Sorry to hear about the new guy."

[justauser]

I miss Harper so bad. Back when Canada was liveable

[sheckylee]

I find this embarrassing that this is actually a debate on a parliamentary level.
Local laws overrule tribal practices.
End of discussion.

[minghaoliu]

Agree with Harper. He's a better prime minister.

[SCGNiagara]

Pretty boy Trudeau always seem to be lost in a Shakespearean role. Agree with Harper most definitely on this one.

[tybirdjayjay]

I will vote for Harper just because of this,

[robertwilson]

Harper is arguing for the women rights..
In my community we had an event where a father beat his daughter, for Not wearing niqab, " dressing like a Canadian" He struck her in full public view and was reported to police by a witness. This man is a leader in Muslim community. The[Muslim] and community, and to my surprise the women, than shunned this witness and spoke horrible thing to her.
So I bear witness to Harper's statement as true. The Muslim community will not allow its women or children to dress as they please. If they do, they do so at their peril. The y subjected to beating and other punishments. They will punish those that speak up against beating of women and children. It is Not to be reported.
I commend Harper for raising this issue. He is fighting for our rights and women's rights. we need to encourage the women Muslim populous, that they Do have rights and privileges equal to all in Canada.
for Those who oppose. What is your position of beating a child for dressing like a Canadian?

[ArcanicFire]

That moment, when you are a liberal, and hate Harper's guts, but agree with him. #ineedmedicalassistance

[markusraymer]

Harper was class & understanding of what is our Canadian culture.

[CJ-dxmq]

I’m a Muslim and I support Trudeau. But I am with Steven Harper on this. The vast majority of women do not wear the Niqab, and it’s like a wahhabi thing.

[shiishani]

2:39 As far as I know, women do have the ability to shoiw their faces in Canada, but they want to take their ability to veil their faces.