Dear G&M editors,

No 'rights' or 'freedoms' are absolute.  Freedom of speech is not for example.
Neither is freedom of religion.  Of course people are free to practice their religion in their own way privately.  But if the 'customs' of that religion conflict with others' rights and freedoms then there has to be some compromise.  That is in fact why we have a legal system, to deal with competing rights.
I have the right to send my children to a weapon-free learning environment.  Wearing a knife is a weapon, whatever its called. Full stop.
I have the right to see and identify with whom I am dealing.  Concealing identity makes fraud much easier.
Canadians are open minded and are ready to compromise, so should new Canadians. "Reasonable accommodation" not absolute submission to unacceptable practices, religious or not.