Stand Off, AB – 7 February 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that His Highness the Aga Khan will make an official visit to Canada later this month. During his visit, the Aga Khan will meet with Prime Minister Harper, who has invited him to deliver an historic address to Parliament.
Canada has a warm and enduring relationship with the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims. The Government of Canada has a strong, long-standing relationship with the institutions of the Ismaili Imamat, including the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) and the Aga Khan Development Network. AKFC is a trusted partner of Canada on a wide range of international development initiatives, including in Afghanistan, in the areas of health, education, rural and economic development, and the creation of new opportunities for women. The Network’s underlying ethic is that of compassion for the most vulnerable in society and service to humanity without regard to faith, origin or gender.
