Today, Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims from Canada and around the world will celebrate Imamat Day, marking the 64th anniversary of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV becoming the 49th hereditary Imam and spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. His Highness succeeded his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, on July 11, 1957.
As a great humanitarian and philanthropist, the Aga Khan has worked tirelessly to help developing nations through the Aga Khan Development Network that he founded and leads. The Aga Khan has dedicated his life to promoting pluralism and peace around the world. These fundamental values of global solidarity and mutual aid are values that Canadians hold dear, and are practiced throughout Ismaili communities in Canada.
We are proud that the Aga Khan is an honorary Canadian citizen who has made many important contributions to Canada, particularly through the Ismaili centres in Burnaby and Toronto, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the Aga Khan Garden in Edmonton, and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, a symbol of the fruitful partnership between Canada and His Highness. Today, we acknowledge the commitment and dedicated work of the Global Centre for Pluralism to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches developing countries around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
