Ismaili Muslim leader says Canada’s diversity is a model for the world

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims says Canada’s pluralism is a model to the world.

The Aga Khan thanked Canada for welcoming Ismailis, a moderate group within the Shia wing of Islam, who were forced to flee persecution and conflict in their own countries over the years.

“Canada has been the country which has been most generous, most thoughtful, most helpful in bringing people to Canada from these difficult backgrounds, offering them a new opportunity … to live in a society which is pluralist, which is conscious of quality, which is conscious of human development and human values,” he told a luncheon group Tuesday.

The Aga Khan, who assumed the title from his grandfather in 1957 at age 20, was in Vancouver on Tuesday to cap a four-city tour of Canada celebrating the 50th anniversary of his position as the community’s 49th Imam. (complete source)

Media advisory – His Highness the Aga Khan to visit Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee

18th-25th November 2008

OTTAWA, Nov. 18 /CNW Telbec/ – His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual
leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan
Development Network (AKDN) arrives in Ottawa today at the start of an 8-day
visit to Canada on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. The Aga Khan, who is in
Canada as a guest of the Government, is commemorating his fifty years of
leadership as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. He will be met by The Honourable
John Baird, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities on behalf
of the Government of Canada.
    During the visit, His Highness will be welcomed by Her Excellency the
Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada and will meet with
senior government officials to discuss areas of active collaboration between
Canada and the AKDN.
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