excerpt:
We also talked about the Thorncliffe Park area, for which Michael was responsible when he was Mayor of East York. This area has Canadas largest concentration of Muslim immigrants and many of these residents are Ismaili Muslims, a Shia sect that celebrates the Aga Khan as its spiritual leader. Michael characterizes this group of Muslims as real immigrant success stories since they often arrive from other countries without much money and a lack of English skills. He admits that when he saw some of them arrive in winter in short sleeved shirts and light cotton pants, just having landed from various places in East Africa, he thought that they would never make it.
Within a few years the Ismaili Muslim immigrants had achieved substantial economic success and virtually all their children were attending university or college. Michael explained that their unique traditions are key to their success: these immigrants pool their money and dedicate themselves to helping one another achieve a better life. But their generosity and community assistance is not limited to members of their own group: they become involved in charitable activities that help people of other communities and backgrounds. Their stated goal is to become good citizens of the country they belong to and they see it as a duty to make their home country a better place for everyone. Michael admits that he truly underestimated the ability of this group of immigrants and expressed his praise and admiration to them during a recent public event.
Ismailimail 
I am an Iranian-Canadian and I was in Calgary only once for 50 days last spring, the receptionist at my hotel was an Ismaili moslem, now, myself I am a moslem too (mosle means a believer in One God, and some other details…) and I was shoked to see how nice this person was, he put so much effort on helping me that I was realy amazed, he realized that I was new in town and he helped me the best way he could, he almost lent me his car noce but I just refused. Now I can say that I have a good friend in Calgar (Mr.Shiraz), and this goes for most Calgarians, is like an epidemic there, every one is nice, the way people walk on the streets is like they are all commited to some kind of a duty, or as if they are on a right track and they are appreciating it. Except when it comes to drugs and the people involve in it, that’s just sad, it always is, I wish that as the city is growing and becomming larger , the police force and anti drug (specially heavier drugs) forces also grow stronger, and always be in control of this clean and hospitable city full of good and goal minded people with a promissing future, I am actualy thinking to move up there with my wife soon.
Thank you all and God bless!
…Love you Canada!
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^^ Dear Reza:
As a Calgarian and a Muslim in this fine city, I am extremely humbled by your compliments! While Calgary is a relatively small place, it is a city doing quite well on several metrics. That is what has resulted in so many Muslims, and Shi’a Ismaili Muslims in particular, to choose it as their home. Amazingly, one in a hundred people in Calgary are Shi’a Ismaili Muslims!
If you do choose to move here, I am certain you’ll be happy and successful. By the way, if you are looking for a home here, I’m selling one privately :)
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