It is there to verify identity when requesting government services. If I cover my face when applying for a passport I will be asked to show my face or leave. I expect all Canadians to be treated equally. I am sick and tired of constant exemptions in our law for Muslims immigrants to our country. Same thing happened with the smoking ban; Muslim groups tried to get an exemption for hooka bars because it is their "culture". Muslim immigrants claim they are fleeing oppression only to setup the same oppressive culture here. If they are not satisfied with Canada they can return the the Islamic country from which they came and enjoy full Islamic rights there. No hard feelings.