Ottawa, December 12, 2007
I join with people around the world in wishing His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan a happy birthday, and the Ismaili community in Canada a hearty Salgirah Mubarak and Khushiali Mubarak .
Thanks to the Aga Khan’s leadership, important institutions focused on social, economic, and cultural activities have been established in countries around the world. In Afghanistan, where Canadian soldiers are making enormous sacrifices to secure the peace and safeguard the Afghan people, the Aga Khan Foundation is helping to rebuild institutions and infrastructure for the benefit of the country. The work of these organizations in many ways reflects values that Canadians hold dear: freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
On November 5, 2007, I had the pleasure of meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan to discuss issues related to pluralism. Canada has been selected as the site for the Global Centre for Pluralism, and I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting this institution, which will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.
As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) and on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I commend His Highness the Aga Khan for his humanitarian efforts, and I wish him a long and healthy life.
Information:
Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP,
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
819 934-1122
