Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
This page focuses solely on His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Western Canada, from his arrival in Calgary on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to the conclusion of his visit in Vancouver on July 26. Pre-arrival details are available on a separate page HERE. This page was last updated July 28 (19:06 EDT).
Anchor links are provided below for each day of his visit to the Prairies and to British Columbia:
- July 23, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Calgary accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan
- July 23/24, 2026: Media Coverage including the CBC, CTV, and the Ismaili, and Social Media Coverage
- July 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan Graces the Jamat of the Prairie Provinces with a Didar in Calgary
- July 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan is welcomed by Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta
- July 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Vancouver
- July 25, 2026: Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
- July 25, 2026: Statement by Premier David Eby as he has bilateral meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan
- Juy 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan and Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal leaders mark new community investments in British Columbia
- July 26, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan Graces the Jamat with a Didar in Vancouver
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HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
July 26, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan gives Didar in Vancouver
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, graced his Jamat of British Columbia (BC) with a Didar in Vancouver on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Vancouver’s Convention Centre. Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
The Mukhi of Vancouver Darkhana submitted bayʿa on behalf of the BC Jamat, and the President of the Ismaili Council for Canada delivered a loyalty address.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was presented with a hand-crafted art installation titled Rooted in Love, four intertwined hearts adorned with messages of devotion inscribed on sustainable seed paper, to later be planted as a reminder of these blessed days.
The Didar in Vancouver marked the culmination of his first visit to Canada as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, spanning two visits in 2026 — Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto in March, followed by Calgary and Vancouver from July 23 to July 26.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
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Social Media Coverage
YouTube: Ismaili Update 4
The Ismaili Update 4 features Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Didar with the Jamat of British Columbia, followed by the presentation of a beautiful art installation that symbolizes the connection between the Imam-of-the-Time and the Jamat. It concludes with a recap of his two visits to Canada and a message of gratitude to the volunteers for their outstanding efforts.
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July 25, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan and Canadian Federal, Provincial, and Municipal leaders mark new community investments in British Columbia
Important Note: I regret to inform my readers that, although I attended as a media reporter for this blog at the historic event celebrating new initiatives between the Ismaili Imamat and the Canadian Leadership, I couldn’t take a single clear photo of the proceedings on stage due to very limited visibility from my seat. As a fair person who aims to capture any event I attend broadly — including the recognition of musicians, Qur’an reciters, and the MCs — I couldn’t do them justice at this event. I was also asked not to stand, even at a side wall in the hall — despite being willing to offer my seat to another visitor — from where I could have taken decent photos, as I did earlier this year in Toronto during the inauguration of Generations Toronto. At the Laval ceremony of the Foundation of the Laval Jamatkaha, I was asked not to take photos, except after the event. This difficulty accessing the event, including entry to the hall, despite being invited to attend events at my personal request, has been an ongoing issue for several years, remains unresolved and is quite unwelcoming and hurtful! — Malik Merchant, Ed.
The following report is adapted from the.Ismaili, the official website of the Ismaili community.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, joined senior Canadian leaders in Vancouver on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to commemorate new investments in affordable housing, healthy aging, sporting and social infrastructure; and to witness the signing of two agreements expected to benefit communities across Canada and around the world. Hazar Imam was accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
Held under the banner of “Building Together,” the event brought together the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia; and provincial and local government representatives, alongside project partners, volunteers, and leaders of the Ismaili community and AKDN. Also in attendance were The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; and Their Worships Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver; Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby; and Meghan Lahti, Mayor of Port Moody.
Guests witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. The first, between Build Canada Homes and the Ismaili Council for Canada, advances the development of affordable, multi-generational housing through the Generations model — homes paired with the supports that enable a community to thrive, including long-term and supportive care, primary healthcare, community kitchens, and early childhood development centres.
The second, between FinDev Canada and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, advances sustainable and inclusive economic growth in developing countries — focusing on infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and financial services, across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Guests of honour also signed architectural renderings for Generations Burnaby, Generations Tri-Cities and Jamatkhana, and a multi-purpose sporting and cultural centre at Burnaby Lake. A fourth project, Generations Vancouver, is already under way and due to open later in 2026. Together they are the newest additions to half a century of work by the Ismaili Imamat and Ismaili community in Canada, in conjunction with government and civil society partners.
Minister Anand, a longtime friend of the Jamat in Canada, commended the Ismaili Muslim community’s many decades of contributions to public service, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, education, and healthcare across the country.
“Canada is stronger because of your contributions. Canada is stronger because of your generosity. Canada is stronger because of your commitment to human betterment and success in every aspect of human development and evolution. And I thank you, and we thank you, sincerely.”
In his address, His Highness explained why combining affordable housing, care and community makes sense in today’s world.
“As Ismaili Muslims,” he said, “our understanding of Islam is that faith should find expression in efforts to improve the quality of human life, and that self-reliance and service should reinforce one another. The projects we commemorate today bring this ethic to life.”
“New homes, care for seniors, and early learning will be brought together in ways that strengthen connection across generations,” he added. “The relationship between homes, shared spaces, and places of care and learning will give physical form to dignity, openness, and community.”
Generations, a national not-for-profit approach to intergenerational living inspired by the values of compassion, dignity and service, seeks to create places where children, families, adults, and seniors can live with greater connection.
Upcoming Generations projects will be conceived with environmental sustainability in mind. Each building will be energy efficient, will prioritise local labour and materials –recycled as much as possible — and will feature gardens. Plantings will be carefully selected to feature local vegetation and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds.
“We’re excited to see Generations Vancouver taking shape,” said Mayor Sim. “It’s an inspiring example of how thoughtful community building can address some of our greatest challenges,” he added, calling it “a best-in-class, mixed-use community hub where residents can live, learn, socialise, and support each other in an intergenerational setting.”
On behalf of the City of Vancouver, Mayor Sim also presented the special honour of a Civic Merit Medallion to the Aga Khan. The award, unanimously ratified by the City Council, acknowledges the Ismaili Imamat’s distinguished service to humanity.
Rooting the work of the Ismaili Imamat and community in its values, Premier Eby paid tribute to the Aga Khan’s leadership in challenging times.
“Your Highness, your continued commitment to the values of peace, environmental sustainability, to lifting people out of poverty, your commitment to these values is an example to all of us, in this time of uncertainty, that the path forward is not to abandon these values, but instead, to hold tight to them as the anchors that will keep us safe in a storm, and will keep us together, and ensure the prosperity of not just this amazing province and not [just] this country, but the entire world.”
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MEDIA COVERAGE
- CBC Radio Canada: L’Aga Khan présente des projets de logements abordables multigénérationnels
- The Ismaili: Ismaili Imamat and Canadian leaders mark new community investments in British Columbia
- Canada.ca: Government of Canada and Ismaili Council for Canada sign memorandum to advance affordable housing development across Canada
- Indo-Canadian Voice: City of Vancouver welcomes the Aga Khan, celebrates Generations Vancouver
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Social Media Coverage
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YouTube: Ismaili Update 3
Ismaili Update 3 highlights the special commemorative event held in Vancouver on June 25, 2026, where two MOUs were signed and the Generations Vancouver commemorative plaque was unveiled.
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July 25, 2026: Statement by Premier David Eby following a bilateral meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement following a bilateral meeting with the Aga Khan:
“It was an honour to welcome His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan on his return to British Columbia. This marks his first visit as the 50th hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims since he succeeded to the Imamat in February 2025.
“The Aga Khan and the Ismaili community have a global reputation for humanitarianism, for peace and human rights, for improving access to education and to health care, and for opening the doors of opportunity by reducing poverty.
“The Aga Khan and I share a strong commitment to delivering affordable housing, and I want to thank His Highness for the Ismaili community’s Generations initiative. Three projects in Vancouver, Burnaby and Port Moody will soon support healthy aging, social connection and community well-being by providing affordable housing to individuals, families and seniors.
“Our province is a better place thanks to the hard work and the generosity of the Ismaili community.”
Please read the statement at source HERE and the French version HERE
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July 25, 2026: Anita Anand. Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V
READOUT
July 25, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V in Vancouver today [January 25, 2026] to discuss shared priorities related to international development, economic partnerships, affordable housing and regional security.
Minister Anand welcomed the progress of the implementation of the Joint declaration between Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Highness the Aga Khan of March 2026 and noted the importance of maintaining momentum on its implementation.
The Minister also highlighted the success of the Generations multi-generational housing initiative across Canada, led by the Ismaili Council for Canada, and underscored that affordable housing remains a priority for the Government of Canada.
Minister Anand and the Aga Khan discussed the housing partnership announced under the Joint Declaration, a clear example of practical cooperation between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat and welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding between Build Canada Homes and the Ismaili Council for Canada, dedicated to focused on advancing affordable multi-generational housing and community infrastructure projects across Canada.
The Minister also highlighted the continued cooperation through the FinDev Canada-Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines a shared commitment to cooperate and explore potential investment opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and financial services.
The Minister also recognized the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) long-standing presence and expertise in regions facing complex challenges, including Syria, and highlighted its important development partnerships in Pakistan and East Africa, expressing appreciation for its work improving the quality of life through initiatives that address social and economic challenges facing local communities.
Minister Anand concluded by recognizing the long-standing contributions of the Ismaili community in Canada through volunteerism, civic engagement, philanthropy and investment in communities across the country, and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat and the AKDN, including through continued collaboration to advance stability, resilience and sustainable development.
Read the statement at the source at Global Affairs Canada
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Social Media Coverage
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July 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Vancouver
After granting a second Didar in Calgary on Thursday, July 24, 2026, Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, departed Alberta for British Columbia. Upon arriving in Vancouver, they were welcomed by representatives of the Canadian Government and leaders of the Ismaili community.
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Social Media Coverage
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HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN IN CALGARY, ALBERTA
July 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan Graces Ismailis of the Prairie provinces with Didar in Calgary
Malik Merchant, Barakah’s editor, who attended the Didar in Calgary on July 24 during the afternoon session, will write a story about his experience at the Didar in the coming week.
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, graced his Jamat (community) in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) with two Didars on Thursday, July 24, 2026, at Calgary’s BMO Centre. Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
The morning Didar was for the Jamats of Calgary Headquarters; Calgary South; Calgary Franklin; and Calgary Westwinds. The Mukhi — leader of congregational prayers — of Calgary Headquarters Jamatkhana submitted bayʿa (oath of allegiance) on behalf of the Calgary Jamat.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was later presented with an art installation titled IQRA: A Living Library of Knowledge and Wisdom. Inspired by the Imam’s guidance on reading as a pathway to greater empathy, the wooden bookcase showcases original books, textiles, and artifacts reflecting the Jamat’s diverse composition.
The afternoon Didar was for the Jamats of Edmonton Headquarters; Edmonton Belle Rive; Edmonton West; Calgary North West; Calgary Generations, Red Deer; and Lethbridge (all Alberta); Regina and Saskatoon (both Saskatchewan); and Winnipeg (Manitoba). The bay’a was submitted by the Mukhi of the Edmonton Headquarters Jamatkhana.
Mawlana Hazar Imam was later presented with an art installation titled Drops of Mercy. Inspired by the Imam’s guidance on intergenerational care, this installation features a photographic mosaic of community art, fifty raindrops representing caring pledges from youth alongside words of wisdom from our elders, and a central raindrop motif symbolising divine mercy.
MEDIA COVERAGE
- Calgary Herald: Aga Khan V visits with Ismaili Muslims during his first Prairies visit
- Global News (Video): Historic western visit for new Aga Khan
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam grants didar in Calgary
- CBC Radio Canada: Les Ismaéliens se rassemblent à Calgary pour voir leur nouveau chef spirituel
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Social Media Coverage
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YouTube Video: Ismaili Update 2
The Ismaili Update 2 highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s meeting with Alberta’s Premier and the two Didars he graced for the Jamat of the Prairie Provinces.
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July 24, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan meets Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
On July 24, 2026, the second day of his visit to Western Canada, Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, met Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary. On her X account, the Premier posted the following:
“It was an honour to welcome His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to Alberta during his first official visit.
“We discussed the Ismaili Muslim community’s longstanding contributions to our province and opportunities to work together on healthcare, housing, education, and workforce development.
“For more than 50 years, the Ismaili community has helped make Alberta stronger, and I look forward to continuing that partnership.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
Please click the links below for additional coverage of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s meeting with Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, July 24, 2026:
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Social Media Coverage
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July 23, 2026: His Highness the Aga Khan commences his visit to Western Canada, as he arrives in Calgary and is welcomed by Government leaders and the city’s Mayor
Ismaili Muslims in Alberta have eagerly anticipated Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit for weeks. The special moment finally arrived when he landed in Calgary on Thursday, July 23, 2026, accompanied by his children, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
Among those who welcomed him at the airport were the President of the Aga Khan Council for Canada, Ameerally Kassim-Lakha; representatives of the federal and provincial governments; The Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta; a delegation of Jamati leaders, including the Presidents of the Aga Khan Councils for the Prairies and Edmonton, Zahra Shajani and Nilam Jetha, respectively; Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Granville; and Naheed Nenshi, former Mayor of Calgary and now the Leader of the Opposition in Alberta, leading Alberta’s New Democrats.
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The Mayor of Calgary, Jeromy Farkas, presented Mawlana Hazar Imam and the two princes with the city’s iconic White Hats — a Calgary tradition dating back to the 1950s — as a gesture of welcome and friendship.
“The White Hat is one of the most recognizable symbols of our city,” said Mayor Farkas. “It stands for generosity, integrity, and the belief that every person deserves to feel welcome and to belong.”
The Mayor also paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam’s leadership: “Your commitment to pluralism, education, service, and human dignity,” he said, “has left a lasting mark around the world, including right here in Calgary through the remarkable contributions of our beloved Ismaili community.”
Every Ismaili, from young children to seniors, including those with mobility challenges, is preparing for the Holy Didar (lit. a glimpse) tomorrow, Friday, July 24. It will be held in two sessions at the BMO Centre in Calgary to accommodate more than 20,000 Ismailis from across the Prairies, including a large contingent from Edmonton. The Didar of the Imam-of-the-Time is a joyful spiritual event marked by deep emotion, inner joy, and fulfillment. During this time, the Imam offers his blessings and guidance, known as Farman, for the spiritual and material growth of his community.
I will share my reflections on this first-ever Didar with Mawlana Hazar Imam at the conclusion of the Western Canada visit. As with his earlier visits around the world, Barakah will provide comprehensive coverage of the visit, including links to media reports, coverage on the official websites of the Ismaili community, and eyewitness accounts from members of the Ismaili community and me.
We congratulate Ismailis in Canada on this joyous visit to Western Canada, following his first visit to Eastern Canada in March.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Please click the links below for additional coverage of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, July 23, 2026:
- Calgary City News (Video Coverage) The Aga Khan makes official visit to Calgary (covers multiple days, July 23 and 24)
- CBC News (Video Coverage): Ismaili Muslims ‘joyful’ as new Aga Khan makes first official visit to Calgary
- The Ismaili: Mawlana Hazar Imam arrives in Calgary (includes several photographs)
- CBC News Video Coverage): New Aga Khan making first official visit to Calgary
- Calgary Herald: Aga Khan marks his first official visit to western Canada (requires subscription)
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Social Media Coverage
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YouTube: Ismaili Update 1
The Ismaili Update 1 highlights Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Calgary, Alberta, accompanied by his children, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
Date posted: July 23, 2026.
Last updated: August 12, 2026 (links to CBC Radio Canada coverage in French added).
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A note of interest.
July 26, 1982 Mawlana Shah Karim was in Vancouver with Begum Salimah for the Foundation Ceremony of the Darkhana Jamatkhana in Burnaby.
44 years later to the day, July 26, 2026 Shah Rahim’s first Didar in B.C.
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Were you able to get an English translation of Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Mayor of Laval speeches at the groundbreaking ceremony ?
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I suggest you write to the Mayor of Laval’s communications team at:
Gabrielle Brais-Harvey
Director of Communications
438-862-6662
g.brais-harvey@laval.ca
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Ya Ali Madad! I wanted to add a French-language article from CBC News for the Western Canada visit (in Calgary). https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2271463/prince-rahim-aga-khan-ismaeliens-calgary
And for Vancouver (also in French) https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2271591/aga-khan-logement-abordable-vancouver
Thanks for keeping this archive and history for us! Alya
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Thank you, Alya, for submitting these links. They will be added to the page dedicated to Western Canadian visit.
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🙏🙏🙏🙏 Love, Light & Cheers Muslim Harji Enjoy the world through my lens…https://harji.myportfolio.com/work
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