Source:http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/16/zunera-ishaq-the-woman-who-fought-to-wear-a-niqab-during-her-citizenship-ceremony/

"Zunera Ishaq and “shared cultural values”

I don’t question Zunera Ishaq’s loyalty to Her Majesty.

Like our Queen, Zunera Ishaq is one tough lady. She won’t be pushed around.  

Every family has at least one Zunera Ishaq.

She shovels snow. She probably yells at her husband and screams at the kids. She probably struggles in gridlock and pays parking tickets. She pays taxes. She probably worries about paying the bills. She’s probably tired when she goes to bed. She gets up in the morning and starts all over again.

 

She has the faith, hope and commitment that built this country.

She also plays by the rules of the game …Jason Kenney and Chris Alexander never placed fashion restrictions on Zunera Ishaq when they issued her immigrant visa. 

So here we go again.

First, Ottawa issued work permits to English, Irish & French on the basis of “shared cultural values”.

Then, Ottawa handed over immigrant visas to trades workers selected by the Irish and English governments. Again on the basis of “shared cultural values”.

 Then, Ottawa set up the economic immigrant Express Entry program which makes the “shared cultural value” of language the primary standard for all economic immigrants.

Kenney and Alexander have now entered the bigoted world of issuing citizenship certificate based on “shared cultural values”.

What I find irrational in all this that the Conservative Party , of which I have been a member since 1967, is prepared to write off the entire GTA for another generation.

The core understanding in Toronto is simple… no matter how we may feel from time to time, we accept the overriding need to treat our neighbors in the manner that we would like to be treated. We have no choice: My daughter may marry your son.  

My neighbors are invested in Zunera Ishaq’s values and story. Torontonians don’t see niquabs or turbans or crosses or tattoos or whatever. They deal with customers, service providers, courtesy, neighbors and potential in laws. 

What Kenney and Alexander are doing in the GTA is beyond being politically irrational. It is socially dangerous. Even the good people of Brooks Alberta and Fort Mac Murray will not be amused.    

Social disruption is not defined by what it wears but by what it does.

Soldiers wearing cultural head/face gear have defended Her Majesty for centuries.  

Kenney and Alexander are pandering, not leading or defending. "

Richard Boraks, 25 February 2015