MONTREAL - Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says the ceremonial dagger worn by devout Sikhs should not be considered a weapon.
Ignatieff's position puts him at odds with the Quebec legislature, which earlier this week barred entry to a group of Sikhs who were wearing their kirpans.
It also clashes with a Bloc Quebecois proposal to have the kirpan banned from the House of Commons for security reasons.
Ignatieff says the kirpan should be allowed in all legislatures in Canada.
The Conservative government has yet to take a position on the issue, other than to refer it to Parliament's security staff.
Ignatieff was in Montreal today as part of a cross-country tour of ridings the Liberals will target in the next election.
