Minister Joly announces appointment of the Honourable Ralph Goodale as representative of Canada to Ismaili Imamat

News release

December 13, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner of Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, as the new representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat.

This appointment reflects the importance that Canada places on its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat. As representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, High Commissioner Goodale will work to further enhance relations through strategic-level dialogue and collaboration on areas of shared interest, such as international development, foreign policy, peace and security, and on shared trade and economic objectives, as well as on the promotion of human rights, pluralism and respect for diversity.

Canada and the Ismaili Imamat enjoy a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship, including through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation Canada, both of which are strategic partners of Canada in the promotion of democracy and reduction of poverty around the world.

Quotes

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ralph Goodale as the new representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. The leadership of His Highness has played a valuable role in strengthening relations with Canada, and I look forward to further enhancing Canada’s partnership with the Ismaili Imamat as High Commissioner Goodale takes on his new role.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Canada and the Ismaili Imamat formally established their relationship in 2014, building on a long-standing partnership in the sphere of international development and expanding it into other areas, including engagement on foreign policy issues, trade and economic cooperation, and the raising of awareness in Canada of Islam and the Muslim world.
In 2022 Canada marked 50 years since it had welcomed thousands of Ugandan Asian refugees. This was a milestone in Canada-Ismaili relations, since many of the refugees were Ismaili.
The Government of Canada and His Highness the Aga Khan are also partners in the Global Centre for Pluralism, a secular, not-for-profit international research and education centre.

Contacts

Isabella Orozco-Madison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Isabella.Orozco-Madison@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2023-12-13