Compiled and prepared by MALIK MERCHANT

Note: The photographs appearing on this page are not part of the official statements issued by Canadian government leaders for the Aga Khan’s birthday.

Statement: Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau

December 13, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on the birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan:

“Today, we join millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 87th birthday of their spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan.

“Since he succeeded his grandfather in 1957, the Aga Khan has dedicated his life to helping those most vulnerable and making the world a better place. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, which operates across five continents, His Highness has worked to reduce poverty and improve quality of life for disadvantaged communities around the globe, including in South and Central Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. This includes the work of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, a strategic partner in Canada’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote democracy in developing countries. The Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment of marginalized groups, including women and girls, by addressing their most pressing needs, which range from high-quality education and health care to economic well-being.

Prime Minister’s Trudeau’s statement continues below

“Canada enjoys a special relationship with the Aga Khan. Together with the Government of Canada, His Highness established the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, Ontario, to promote equality and advance pluralism around the world. Furthermore, the Aga Khan chose Toronto, Ontario, as the location of North America’s first Islamic arts museum, the Aga Khan Museum, which also serves as a centre of education, pluralism, and tolerance. In recognition of this special relationship, the Government of Canada appointed the Aga Khan as an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in 2005 and granted him honorary Canadian citizenship in 2009.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank His Highness for his unwavering dedication to helping others. We look forward to further strengthening his relationship with our country and extend warm wishes for a very happy birthday.

“Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!”

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Statement: The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan:

“Today, in Canada and across the world, Ismaili Muslims are celebrating the 87^th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan. Over the course of his extraordinary life, the Aga Khan has fought poverty, invested in healthcare, and generously funded cultural centres like the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

“The Aga Khan’s birthday is also an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions that Ismaili Muslims have made to our country. Since the first wave of Ismaili Muslims arrived in Canada in the 1970s, they have dedicated themselves in business, public service and philanthropy to making Canada a stronger and more vibrant country.

“On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, I would like to wish the Aga Khan a happy birthday and thank Ismaili Muslims across Canada for all their contributions.

“Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!”

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Statement: Hon. Minister Kamal Khera

The Hon. Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, issued the following statement on the Aga Khan’s 87th birthday:

OTTAWA, December 13, 2023

Today we celebrate the 87th birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th imam and spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

For over six decades, the Aga Khan has embodied the values of humanity, compassion and social justice through his dedicated advocacy to defend the rights of the most vulnerable. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, he is working to combat poverty, advance education and healthcare, and promote gender equality around the world.

Throughout his life, the Aga Khan has also promoted peace and understanding among diverse cultural and religious communities—a cause that resonates deeply with all of us, as diversity is at the core of who we are as Canadians. The Aga Khan’s tireless advocacy inspires us to continue fostering a country where everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, can be safe and thrive, and to remember that there will always be more that unites us than divides us.

As Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, I extend my best wishes to His Highness the Aga Khan and to Ismaili Muslims in Canada and beyond. May this day be an opportunity to renew our commitment to inclusion, dialogue and solidarity—values that shape the work of the Aga Khan and of our Canadian society.

Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!

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External links reporting on the 87th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan:

• Voice: Trudeau, Poilievre greet the Aga Khan on his birthday
• Khamma Press News Agency: Global celebrations as Aga Khan marks 87th birthday: A legacy of humanitarian leadership and development
• Friday Times: Pakistan’s Ismaili Community Celebrates 87th Birthday of Prince Karim Aga Khan

Date posted: December 16, 2023.

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