Quebec explains the rules of its face-covering ban.

Quebec Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée provided further details on today, Oct. 24th about how the government's controversial Bill 62 will be implemented.

At a news conference that lasted more than an hour, Vallée explained how the new law will be implemented in specific cases. She said the law, which pertains to those giving or receiving public services, is not meant to be repressive.

Quick facts:

•  A Muslim woman wearing a niqab or burka would only be required to uncover her face to take public transit if a photo ID is required, as in the case of those paying a reduced student fare.
• The same rules would apply to someone wearing sunglasses and a scarf.
• At public libraries, a person with a covered face is free to roam the stacks but would be required to uncover their face to communicate with staff.
• At a hospital, a person requiring emergency care wouldn't be turned away because of a face covering.
• People will have to have their face uncovered when they are in direct contact with an employee.

Vallée said the law is in effect and applies across the province. But she also said a Muslim woman wearing a niqab or burka would be eligible for an exemption to the law on religious grounds.

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