It's a museum about our mosaic
Feds pony up $30M for Ottawa to host Global Centre for Pluralism

Canada will host a new centre that will trumpet ways for people and cultures to live together harmoniously.

Ottawa was chosen to host the new Global Centre for Pluralism because of Canada’s success at building a harmonious multicultural society, said the project sponsors.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement Wednesday alongside the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s 20 million Ismaili Muslims. The federal government and the Aga Khan will each contribute $30 million to the centre, which will be housed in the former Canadian War Museum.

Harper noted that the spiritual leader once called Canada the most successful pluralist society in the world.

“Canadians wear that label with pride. Pluralism is not an ideal, or an ambition for this country. We actually walk the talk,” Harper said.

“Generations of immigrants from all over the world have found peace and prsoperity here, they have found equality of opportunity, an appreciation for differences, and an openness to change.

“They have found a country in which where you’re going and what you’ve done matters more than where you’re from or who you know.”

Harper said there are many multicultural countries, but too many have governments that pit people against each other for political benefit.

The new centre is not far from the prime minister’s residence on Sussex Drive.

“I think I can speak for the entire street in welcoming the Global Centre for Pluralism to our neighbourhood,” said Harper.

The Aga Khan Development Network says it chose Canada because it “epitomizes what can be achieved through a commitment to pluralism.” The spiritual leader said Canada’s openness has been demonstrated by how it welcomed and provided opportunity to Ismaili Muslims who immigrated in recent decades.

And in a world simmering with ethnic, religious and cultural tension, he said the lessons learned in Canada are critical for the rest of humanity.

“It will not surprise you that I am fascinated by Canada’s experience as a successful pluralistic society,” he said. “We now face a new and challenging moment in human history where secular, pluralist values and practices are not simply desirable anymore — they have become absolutely essential, and not just for the future of the world, but also for our survival itself.”

The Liberals welcomed the announcement — but took a poke at what they considered its partisan tone.

The announcement was made in front of a large blue banner plastered with the Canada’s New Government logo that the Conservatives have adopted.

But Liberal Leader Bill Graham said the former government had already approved the project and set it aside.

“This is something that has taken years to put together,” Graham said. “It’s something for all of us — all Canadians — to celebrate. … It’s been a long time coming, and it’s something for all of us to celebrate in a non-partisan way.”