Press release: June 30, 2020, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Salma Lakhani as the new Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
A long-time community advocate and successful business owner, Ms. Lakhani has dedicated her life to helping people in need and those who face obstacles to success in our society. Through her work to advance education, health care, women’s empowerment, human rights, and support for new immigrants, she continues to be a champion of diversity, pluralism, and inclusion.
An immigrant to Canada, she has mentored young students with English as a second language. She is a founding member of a movement that helps vulnerable women access education, and has served on its advisory committee for the past decade.
Ms. Lakhani will be the first Muslim Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history. She will assume office upon her installation.
The Prime Minister thanked the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, for her dedication and service to the people of Alberta.
“Ms. Lakhani is devoted to supporting people in her community, from new immigrants and young people, to women and families. As Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, I know she will serve the people of her province and our country well, and continue to be a source of inspiration for all Canadians.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Salma Lakhani is a long-time resident of Edmonton, and a distinguished community advocate with a passion for education, health care, human rights, and support for new immigrants. A proud Ismaili Muslim, the values of pluralism and inclusion have guided her lifelong commitment to championing opportunities for those who face barriers in life.
Ms. Lakhani was one of the first mentors in NorQuest College’s Youth in Transition program, providing valuable guidance for students with English as a second language. She received the NorQuest College Honorary Diploma in Community Services Leadership in 2019.
In addition to being a founding member of NorQuest College’s 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities movement and sitting on its advisory committee for the past decade, she has supported the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Kids Kottage, Sorrentino’s Compassion House, and Aga Khan Foundation Canada. She has also served as a board director for the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights for a decade.
Born in Uganda, her home country from which her family was expelled in 1972, Ms. Lakhani completed an honours degree in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Manchester. She moved to Edmonton with her husband, Dr. Zaheer Lakhani, in 1977. The couple has two daughters.
In recognition of her services to the community and civil society, Ms. Lakhani was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Ismailimail 
Wonderful news. Heartiest congratulations to the first Ismaili Muslim Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Canada Salma Lakhani and her family and indeed the entire community and all Canadians.
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Congratulations to Salma and Zahir and her family on her becoming the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. A proud moment for The Ismaili community. May Mowla Bapa give her courage and strength to fulfill her duty.
Chhotu & Salma Rajwani Family.
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Congratulations to Salma Lakhani on becoming first Ismaili Muslim to become Governor of Alberta Canada. May Hazar Imam shower his blessing on her and her whole family and give her strength to accomplish all her duties to fully extent . “Ameen”
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Mubaraki, Salma and Zahir and Family. What an honour! We are very proud of you. Best wishes and prayers.
Nadir, Mumtaz and Jamil Shariff
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Its a great honour for all our Ismaili brothers and sisters to have one of us appointed to this very prestigious post, i wish Her our best wishes and congratulation.
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Congratulation Madam Salma Lakhani, you made our Ismaili Community members very happy today, We all Ismaili Community members feel proud of you. Keep it up.
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Mubaraki to Salma lakhani and Family and indeed a proud moment for us Ismailis all over the world!! May Mowla always guide her and keep her focused and successful in fulfilling her duties to Alberta and Canada as a whole!! MashaAllah!!🙏
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What a proud moment not only for us personally but the whole community at large
Well earned and most deserving of this honour, attesting to the incredible Sewa by the whole Lakhani Family
We pray Mowla grant you and your family Baraqa Strength and Vision as you begin this new chapter in your life
Many Many Congratulations and Mubarakis, and wishing you all the very best
Dr Mohamed and Nazeera Moledina
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If we Ismailis were here merely 50 years before we actually came to Canada ,by the blessings and the grace of Moula ,it is hard to imagine ,where we would be.More than Ismailis,Canada is proud to have such a beautiful lady as the Alberta LG,a beacon of light for the entire jamat ,coming events cast their shadows early.
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Congratulations Your Honour Salma Lakhani!
Proud moment for your family and Canadian Ismailis.
Best wishes and success in fulfilling your honourable responsibilities.
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Congratulations Salma on your historic appointment as the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. We pray for success in your duties.
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A great achievement and honour, a moment of pride and inspiration for all!
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Personally and for the family, a great achievement and honour, a moment of pride and inspiration for all women and the community!
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Congratulations to you Salma on your historic and inspired appointment. I know you will bring much grace and insight to the office of Lieutenant Governor. Ian Nicol
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It is wonderful to see the contribution made by Canadians of Ismaili faith to the nation. Congratulations Salma for your wonderful achievement and for setting an example for the rest of young Canadians to follow! It is wonderful to see this great nation under the leadership of. PM Trudeau recognizing contributions made by Canadians without reference to race, religion, or country of origin. Canadians are truly blessed because no other country in the world offers such opportunity and recognition to its citizens!
Makes me feel sad that I am not a Canadian although I have been visiting Canada regularly for the past 50 years!
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Dear Salma Lots of Mubaraki to you and family for this wonderful achievement. You are the pride of Ismaili community Shukher Alhamdullilah. Mowla give you success in your endeavors. Ameen
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congrats
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