You are correct.

In August through October 2015, there was an increase in niqab wearers in Montreal, particularly in the downtown Montreal area, where I have never otherwise seen a niqab. (Niqabs are more common in the Cartierville area, in the north end of Montreal).

From their voices and accents, I could hear that they were young, Quebec born women.

My assumption was that this was some type of protest movement, as they disappeared after the election.