Today is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Ismailis in Canada and around the world in marking the 54th anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi'a Ismaili Muslims.
We are honoured and privileged to have so many connections between Canada and the work of the Aga Khan.
Among the connections: Toronto will be home the Aga Khan Museum when it opens in 2013. Sharing the same site will be an Ismaili Centre – the second such community centre in Canada and one of only a handful in the world.
Then there is the Global Centre for Pluralism located in Ottawa, an international centre for research, education and exchange about the values, practices and policies that make up successful pluralist societies.
These initiatives exemplify the vision of the Aga Khan, who has acknowledged Canada as a model for the world when it comes to pluralism.
There’s yet another connection. At a ceremony in May 2010, in a moment of great pride for Canadians, His Highness was bestowed with honourary Canadian citizenship by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
As Prime Minister Harper has said, the Aga Khan’s ‘name has become synonymous with humanitarian aid and development in countries beset by conflict and poverty. Just as importantly, he has worked tirelessly as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.
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For all Canadians, Imamat Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 54th anniversary of his accession as Imam, and sincere gratitude for his continued commitment to Canada.
