Mansoor Ladha: Calgary journalist receives Gov. Gen. award

Calgary-based journalist Mansoor Ladha was one of seven community volunteers whose dedicated efforts were recognized at a Governor General’s Caring Award ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The awards were handed over on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, the Rt. Hon. David Johnston.

“There are many aspects of the quality of life we enjoy that are dependent on the energy, compassion, innovation and resources offered by Canada’s hard working volunteers,” said the Lt. Gov. Hon. Donald S. Ethell. “The accomplishment of these great citizens are a case in point and their fine examples are an inspiration to us all.”

Since the program’s inception in 1995, volunteers from across Canada have received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, including 127 from Alberta. The award recognizes those who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada and abroad. Often working behind the scenes, there individuals share their time and effort to help their fellow citizens and they exemplify the compassion and engagement that are a part of our Canadian character.

In his speech of acceptance, Ladha said he was humbled and grateful to receive the award. “Volunteerism and service to the community has always been part of my Shia Ismaili faith and life. I have been blessed with generous opportunities to upheld and cherish these values.

“Serving the community as a whole is my way of saying thank you to this great country of ours which has welcomed immigrants like me with open arms,” he said.

Mansoor Ladha has served as a member of the Capital Health Board, the Canadian Red Cross Northern Regional Council (Edmonton), the Alberta Heritage Council and the Alberta Press Council. He has also been involved with the Ismaili community in various capacities, including chairman of Aga Khan Administrative Committee for Edmonton and member of the Prince Aga Khan Regional Council for Western Canada. He has been the recipient of the Lions Club Citizen of the Year Award and the Silver Quill Award given by the Alberta Weekly Newspapers association for his distinguished service to newspapers. Mr. Ladha has written a book titled A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims and is working on memoirs about his life in Africa and Canada.

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