It is my opinion that any rhetoric concerning the wearing of the niqab must be removed from the context of religion as it is nowhere ordered as a part of any religion, including the muslim faith. By packaging it in the religious context the purpose of the niqab is one of control and power - a custom that pre-dates the muslim faith and has been negated in many muslim countries. The niqab, the swastika used by the nazis, and the yellow star of David are symbols of power, control, and suppression none of which are welcome in our free and tolerant Canada. B. Caldwell.