http://ccmw.com/women-in-niqab-speak-a-study-of-the-niqab-in-canada/

Forty four percent of women cited religious obligation as the reason that they wore the veil.

Thirty four percent cited "expression of muslim identity" as the reason.

Of note, 85% of niqab wearing women were from families below the median family income, despite the fact that they were university educated. And despite being educated, the majority did not work outside the home.

What was most interesting is that although the majority of niqab wearers were born outside of Canada, they did not start wearing the niqab until they came to Canada.

This suggests that the veil is worn as a statement and not as a religious obligation.