I understand that across Canada there are only about 300 women who actually cover their faces. While they may not be pushing it, I'd like to mention, in response to what you said, that Morocco has been mentioned, but in an Islamic country like Iran all women have to show their faces before they can cast ballots. So that's something to keep in mind as well.
Women themselves may not be pushing to vote with their faces covered, but certainly there are other organizations that are speaking for them and making this an issue. So the matter of Muslim women and the veil is something that needs to come up. If Elections Canada had a mandate that all Canadians needed to show their faces to vote, one could understand this. But the fact that it has come up with regard to all Muslim women and the veil impacts me directly, and this is why I am here to present my position.
Thank you.