Remarks by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage (Image credit: GCP)
“The vision of the Global Centre for Pluralism is a world in which human differences are valued and diverse societies thrive.
… we appreciate His Highness’s many other contributions to Canada, which include the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, … the important international development cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network to improve lives of disadvantaged communities in Asia and Africa.
As Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I congratulate the Global Centre of Pluralism on the official opening of its new headquarters.”
– Honourable Mélanie Joly,
Minister of Canadian Heritage
at the opening of the Global Centre for Pluralism
Remarks by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage on the occasion of the opening of the Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP).
May 16th 2017
“The vision of the Global Centre for Pluralism is a world in which human differences are valued and diverse societies thrive.
Canada has the highest percentage of first generation immigrants in the OECD. 20% of all the population is a first generation immigrant. This is Canada’s vision for a country and for our world. This is why our Government stands behind the Centre and it’s so may worthy initiatives.
And we appreciate His Highness’s many other contributions to Canada, which include the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, which I had the chance to visit some months ago. Not to mention the important international development cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network to improve lives of disadvantaged communities in Asia and Africa.
Canada is recognized worldwide for its successful approach to diversity.
Our country is living proof that diversity and inclusion work together. That they alone will ensure peace and prosperity for all of us.
Canada’s strength is found in many facets. In our respect for rights and freedoms; in our welcoming, open society; and in our diverse, multicultural character.
And there is no better time to reflect and build on these strengths than this year—the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
We are seizing this moment to focus on Canada’s ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional diversity and to find ways to deepen our relationships across the country and within our many communities.
His Highness the Aga Khan in conversation with Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage (Image credit: GCP)
I have said it many times, our social contract is rooted in three pillars: our two official languages, the importance of pluralism which includes multiculturalism and the protection of minority rights, and of course the important reconciliation with Indigenous peoples on this land.
As Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I congratulate the Global Centre of Pluralism on the official opening of its new headquarters.
I am grateful for the wonderful work of renovation that was done to this historical building that is an integral part of the built heritage of the National Capital Region. Revitalization of this historically significant waterfront area is a priority identified in the National Capital Commission’s new 50 year plan for our region.”
Ismailimail 