The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on Imamat Day/Kushiali:

 

“Today, Ismailis in Canada and around the world are celebrating the anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims in 1957.

“Khushiali is a time of great celebration for the Ismaili community. It also offers all Canadians a chance to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of the Aga Khan, one of the world’s great humanitarians and champions of pluralism, and on the contributions of Canadian Ismailis to our country.

“One example of the long-standing connection between Canada and the Aga Khan is the fact that that His Highness is one of only six people to have been bestowed with honorary Canadian citizenship.

“Also, the Aga Khan museum is scheduled to open in Toronto this year. The museum will be a permanent home for important pieces of Islamic art and heritage in the world, including items and artifacts from His Highness’s private collection.

“The Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa is another example of the Aga Khan’s visionary international leadership. This research and education centre, focused on building bridges between faiths and cultures, was founded by His Highness, in collaboration with the Government of Canada. The Aga Khan picked Canada as home for this Centre because of our country’s great success as a pluralist society.

“On a personal note, I have had the great honour of meeting His Highness on a number of occasions, most recently in February of this year, when he visited our country and addressed the Canadian Parliament on the invitation of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Each of my meetings with His Highness has been enlightening and inspiring.

“An important highlight of this recent visit was the signing of a Protocol of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat, an enduring example of Canada’s extraordinary relationship with the Aga Khan.

“As Minister for Multiculturalism, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the anniversary of his accession as Imam, and sincere appreciation for his tremendous contributions to our country.

“Khushiali Mubarak.”

src:news.gc.ca