Ottawa, July 6, 2007
http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html
I am pleased to join Canadians, as well as individuals from around the world, in recognizing the Golden Jubilee Year of Imamat Day. His Highness the Aga Khan became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community on July 11,1957.
Canada has benefited enormously from the significant contributions of Ismaili Muslimswhether it is Rahim Jaffer, the first Muslim elected to Parliament, to the countless entrepreneurs and CEOs who strengthen our economy, create jobs, and personify the inclusiveness of the free enterprise system.
Under the Aga Khan's leadership, Ismailis around the world have developed an impressive network of institutions that carry out social, economic and cultural activities. In every country, these institutionswith mandates ranging from architecture, education and health to the promotion of rural development and private-sector infrastructurebenefit numerous individuals, regardless of their nationality or religion.
As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said last year, "the Aga Khan has contributed significantly to advancement and stability in Asia and Africa while promoting Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion."
Canada is proud to have been selected as the site for the Aga Khan's Global Centre for Pluralism, and Canada's New Government is proud to be supporting an institution that will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.
As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), and on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I encourage Canadians to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Year of Imamat Day by learning more about the Aga Khan's substantial contributions to international development, and the Canadian Ismaili community's very impressive achievements.