OTTAWA, December 13, 2017 – Ministre du Patrimoine Canadien/Minister of Canadian Heritage, Mélanie Joly’s statement:
Today, Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrate the birthday of their 49th hereditary Imam and spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
An advocate of peace, diversity and pluralism, the Aga Khan is acknowledged internationally for his work in support of economic development in the world’s poorest countries. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, which he founded more than 60 years ago, he has brought improved health, education and rural development to vulnerable communities.
As we celebrate Canada 150, His Highness’s birthday is an ideal opportunity to express our gratitude to the Ismaili community in Canada for their many contributions to our society. The work of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, the establishment of the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, and the creation of the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto are just a few examples of that involvement.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I join Canadian Ismailis in wishing His Highness the Aga Khan a very happy 81st birthday. Khushali mubarak!
Ismailimail 