On behalf of Ontario’s New Democrats, I am delighted to join Ismailis around the world and across Ontario in celebrating Imamat Day. Khushali Mubarak!
On July 11th, 1957 His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV became Imam- spiritual leader- of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
The Ismaili community is rich in culture, and generosity. In many ways, the history of the Ismaili community is much like the history of Canada, in which so many different cultures and ethnicities have come together, and created the multicultural society that we know today. This shows how the Ismaili community has played in integral role in the development of a pluralistic society.
From the arts and entrepreneurship, education and politics, we are so fortunate to have such an engaged Ismaili community, vital to the fabric of our province and country.
In the almost 60 years of his leadership, His Highness the Aga Khan has made significant contributions to the international community. Through the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, funds have been raised to eliminate global poverty and build schools and hospitals.
Here in Ontario, we are proud to have the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto as well as the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. These two buildings show the strength and presence of the Ismaili Community here in our province.
Wishing Ismailis across Ontario and Canada Khushali Mubarak!