OTTAWA — Conservative leadership candidate Steven Blaney says he would introduce a bill calling for Canadians to have to show their face when they vote or take the oath of citizenship.
In his first policy announcement since revealing his leadership bid on the weekend, Blaney said Monday it’s time for a discussion on Canadian identity.
The former public safety minister says he would bring back a new face-covering law as a way of stemming what he calls the “slow and steady erosion” of Canadian values.
Under the proposed rules, all federal officials — regardless of whether they offer services on the front lines — would be forbidden from having their face covered when dealing with the public.
“The entire public service, whether in direct contact (or not) with the population, must reflect Canadian society,” he said.
A Blaney-led government wouldn’t hesitate to use the notwithstanding clause to stop the Supreme Court of Canada from striking down the measure.
“We must ensure that these new Canadians we welcome understand how we live,” Blaney said. “We do not want our country to become like the country they left.”
He says the discussion has been going on for years in Quebec, which he lauded for playing a leading role in dealing with the challenge.
Public hearings are underway in the province on Bill 62, the Liberal government’s attempt to legislate on religious accommodation.