Religious freedom ambassador refuses to wade into niqab debate
Religious minority rights ambassador says he won’t accept interviews during campaign where Conservatives’ niqab ban figures prominently.
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper is greeted by supporters as he leaves a campaign stop in Edmonton on Wednesday. (JASON FRANSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS }
By: Alex Boutilier Ottawa Bureau Reporter, Published on Wed Oct 07 2015
OTTAWA—Canadians hoping to hear what the country’s voice of religious freedom thinks about the Conservatives’ proposed niqab ban are out of luck — at least until after the election.
Religious freedom ambassador Andrew Bennett is refusing interview requests during a federal election campaign where religious garb has become a central issue.
“Given the writ period, Ambassador Bennett is unavailable for an interview,” wrote John Babcock, a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs, in an email.
Babcock added that it was important to note the office has “an international mandate.”
http://www.thestar.com/news/federal-election/2015/10/07/religious-freedom-ambassador-refuses-to-wade-into-niqab-debate.html
