Well this is a more reasonable direction at least. But this issue still has to do more with privacy than religion (at least for those of us that aren't xenophobes). Why should anyone have to reveal their face or any other body part to the government unless for the purpose of intial identification when receiving a public service ever? 
With cameras and facial recognition everywhere tracking everything we do for unknown/undisclosed purposes the niqab or any other face covering (balaclava, hat and sunglasses or camera scrambling shades) makes perfect sense. Are we eventually proposing to ban all of those while in public so the gov't and corporations can spy on us and build files on us? Why do we allow tinted windows when driving on public roads? I should be able to identify the person cutting me off in the left lane!
Women that wear the niqab honestly are interested in protecting their privacy as we all should be. 
Take off your veil of intolerance Quebec and see the true issue!