For more than half a century, the Aga Khan has built a legacy dedicated to advancing pluralism, peace and human rights. His humanitarian work has made life better for millions of people by reducing poverty and improving access to education and health care. And here in British Columbia, the Ismaili Centre in Vancouver remains a beacon of faith and community, for both Ismailis and non-Ismailis — David Ebby, Premier, British Columbia

Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT

STATEMENT: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on Imamat Day:

July 11, 2023, Ottawa, Ontario.

“Today, on Imamat Day, we join Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate and honour the remarkable spiritual leadership of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV as the 49th hereditary Imam.

“Over the last 66 years, the Aga Khan has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. Through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), His Highness works to reduce poverty, improve education and health care, empower women and girls, and help develop infrastructure in underserved regions.

“Today we celebrate the rich heritage, remarkable achievements, and ongoing contributions of Ismailis to our country. Through their unwavering dedication to service and helping those in need, the Ismaili Muslim community exemplifies the best of what it means to be Canadian.

Statement continues below

“In recognition of his commitment to the values of compassion, pluralism, and respect for human rights, and his contributions to Canada, the Aga Khan was granted honorary Canadian Citizenship in 2010. Canada hosts the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the beautiful Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and partners with the AKDN in the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, to invite people of all faiths, origins, and cultures to learn and reflect on the actions we can take to build a more inclusive world.

“On Imamat Day, as we draw inspiration from the Aga Khan’s humanitarian values, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Canada for everyone.

“Khushiali Mubarak!”

For the Prime Minister’s statement in French, please click HERE.

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The Aga Khan in Canada: 2005 and 2013

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STATEMENT: Minister Kamal Khera

Canada’s Federal Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada, Kamal Khera, issued the following statement:

Ottawa, July 11, 2024.

On Imamat Day, we join Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world in celebrating the 67th anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV as Imam of the Ismaili community.

From an early age, the Aga Khan has upheld values that Canadians hold dear. Social justice, human rights, inclusion, sharing and empathy comprise the foundation of his work and the legacy he continues to build. His Highness is the founder and chair of the Aga Khan Development Network and has worked on numerous philanthropic and humanitarian projects aimed at transforming the lives of the Ismaili Muslim community members in Canada and many others around the world.

As an ardent defender of peace and pluralism, the Aga Khan is the driving force behind various Ismaili centres including the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. His Highness has also been an honorary Canadian citizen since 2010.

Statement continues below

Imamat Day provides an opportunity for our government to reaffirm its commitment to addressing and fighting Islamophobia. In Budget 2024, we are investing $7.3 million in funding over six years starting in 2024–2025, with $1.1 million ongoing to continue to support the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby.

Ismaili Muslims continue to make deep and meaningful contributions to our country. Imamat Day is the perfect occasion to learn more about this community’s achievements and dedication to helping people around the world and here at home in Canada.

I extend my warmest wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV on the anniversary of his accession as Imam and to all those celebrating Imamat Day. Khushiali Mubarak!

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STATEMENT: BC Premier David Eby

British Columbia’s Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Imamat Day. Links to statements in French, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi are provided below.

“Today marks the 67th anniversary of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV becoming the 49th hereditary imam and spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

“Imamat Day, also known as Khushiali, brings together Ismaili Muslims in British Columbia and in communities around the world to celebrate the legacy of the Aga Khan.

“For more than half a century, the Aga Khan has built a legacy dedicated to advancing pluralism, peace and human rights. His humanitarian work has made life better for millions of people by reducing poverty and improving access to education and health care. And here in British Columbia, the Ismaili Centre in Vancouver remains a beacon of faith and community, for both Ismailis and non-Ismailis.

Statement continues below

“The Aga Khan’s efforts to boost climate resilience is a priority shared by many British Columbians. In 2022, our government and the Imamat signed an agreement to tackle big global challenges, including emergency preparedness and climate adaptation. His Highness’s work as a global humanitarian will help take the lessons we’ve learned in British Columbia and apply them to help communities around the world.

“On Imamat Day, let us come together to celebrate the leadership of the Aga Khan and recognize the many contributions of Ismaili Muslims to B.C. Together, we are building a stronger and more inclusive province for everyone. 

“Khushiali Mubarak!”

The BC Premier’s statement is available in Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and French.

Date posted: July 12, 2024.
Last updated: July 23, 2024.

Note: The photographs included in this post are not part of the original statements issued by Canadian leaders.

Correction: In our original version, we misspelled the BC Premier’s name as David Ebby instead of David Eby, and we regret the error. We have corrected the error.

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