Nenshi's niqab dispute with Kenney troubles Notley

Alberta Premier Rachel Notleysays she's concerned "minority-rights"issues like the niqabare being played up in the federal election campaign and prompting disputes between Calgarypoliticians.

"I really don't want to actuallyfire this up a lot more,so I will say simply this: I am disappointed and troubled to see minority-rights issues becoming a political football in the election and I don't think that's helpful," Notleytold reporters via teleconference from Toronto, where she was wrapping up an economic mission Thursday.

• #PeopleLikeNenshi trending on twitter after niqab remarks
• Conservatives stop short of ruling out ban on niqabs for public servants
• Analysis |So what that most Canadians oppose the niqab: Neil Macdonald
• Premier Rachel Notley wants federal carbon-tax revenues to stay in Alberta

The premier's comments came shortly after an escalating war of words between Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Calgary Midnapore Conservative candidate Jason Kenney over the niqab, a religious veil.

The dispute erupted afterNenshitook issue with the Conservatives' position that women should bebanned from wearingniqabsduring citizenship ceremonies, a topic the party has played up during the federal election campaign.

'Disgusting dangerous stuff'

Nenshi described that type of politics as "disgusting" and "unbelievably dangerous stuff" in a SiriusXM radiointerview.

Kenney shot back in an interview with Postmediaby saying what's truly dangerous is "legitimizing a medieval tribal custom that treats women as property rather than people."

"It seems to me that it's the mayor and people like him who are politicizing it," Kenneyadded.

The mayor responded on Twitter by questioning Kenney'sturn of phrase.

"'People like me'", eh?" he tweeted. "Let's just assume @jkenney means 'thoughtful people', shall we?"

• Niqab debate recalls RCMP turban furor of the '90s
• Poll ordered by Harper found strong support for niqab ban at citizenship ceremonies

In response,Notley declined to say anything further beyond her expression of concern.

"I'm going to leave it at that," the premiersaid.

Mobile users, follow thelivebloghere