MONTREAL - What are Canadian values?

You can't find them listed on Wikipedia.

But generally, we speak of living in freedom in a democratic society governed by laws; a society which cares about its weakest members and a society that believes in equality.

So federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney was right this week to ban face coverings in citizenship ceremonies because wearing a niqab or burqa really is not in keeping with Canadian values.

No one can convince me that it is not a symbol of subjugation. It's not a religious issue, it's a question of freedom.

Banning them at citizenship ceremonies is a matter of principle which reflects our values of equality and justice. Embracing Canadian values should be a condition of citizenship.

This is more than a symbolic step. Taking an oath of citizenship is no small matter. It is an oath of allegiance to Canada.

Women in this country are not second class citizens. They are equal. This is not an anti-Islam issue in the least. What people do in their private lives is their business.

But the move by the federal minister this week is a good start. It should go further and ban wearing them in anything connected to government services. The Quebec government has already taken the first step in that direction.

It's simply a question of facing Canadian reality.

No seduction in ADQ takeover

You have to love Jean Charest's line this week on the takeover of the ADQ by the Caquistes.

He said, "the ADQ married a public opinion poll."

I am not sure married is the right term. It was more of a corporate takeover.

It's astounding that the ADQ really got nothing in the deal.

Well maybe a chance to keep their four seats in the next election.

But they did sacrifice some of their principles in allowing the CAQ to move in.

A wink and nod from Francois Legault and they jumped right into bed and consummated the deal.

And I don't even think he brought them flowers.

Death of an irrelevant party

And did you notice that the Bloc Quebecois has a new leader?

Daniel Paille, former Pequiste and a front line pure et dur separatist is the new chef.

Not sure what he will do with his caucus of four to make the Bloc relevant again.

The Bloc is long past its best before date. And it belongs in the history books as nothing more than an annoying footnote, out not with a bang but a whimper.

Taxes for eggbeaters

Montreal taxes are on the way up again in the new year. The mayor says there is no choice.

I am sure you will be pleased to find out that you paid $75,000 for a giant eggbeater.

It has just been installed in the back of a community centre in Hochelaga Maisonneuve, the latest City of Montreal public art project.

A giant egg beater? Franchement.

I have one question: why?