Ottawa funds Global Centre for Pluralism

OTTAWA — The federal government has announced plans to provide $30 million for a new Global Centre for Pluralism, to be built in the capital.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement Wednesday alongside the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims.

The new centre will open on the grounds of the former Canadian War Museum, not far from the prime minister's residence on Sussex Drive.

"I think I can speak on behalf of the entire street in welcoming the new global centre to our neighbourhood," said Harper.

The prime minister described Canada as a fitting home for the new centre because of the country's success at bringing cultures together.

"Generations of immigrants from all over the world have found peace and prosperity here," Harper said.

"This is a country where people from every background have bonded together to create one of the world's most harmonious nations."

The Aga Khan Development Network says it chose Canada because it ``epitomizes what can be achieved through a commitment to pluralism."

The group will match the Canadian government's funding, and will invite people from all over the world to sit on the centre's board of governors.

The Aga Khan said Canada's openness to others has been demonstrated by how it welcomed and provided opportunity to Ismaili Muslims who immigrated in recent decades.

"I am fascinated by Canada's experience as a successful pluralist society," he said.

"(We) are deeply grateful to the government, and the people of Canada."