SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — His Highness the Aga Khan

Honourable senators, I rise today to reflect on His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s recent visit to Canada as the fiftieth Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

During the visit, Prime Minister Carney and the Aga Khan discussed investments by the Ismaili Imamat designed to address the affordable housing crisis, collaboration abroad in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia Pacific and building the workforce of the future.

While in Ottawa, His Highness was also hosted by Her Excellency Governor General Simon, a gesture that reflects the long and respectful relationship between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat. It was especially meaningful that during a very hectic agenda, His Highness met with Senators and MPs at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to hear their perspectives and thoughts, and I thank everyone who attended. It was wonderful that former Senator Jaffer was also present.

The Aga Khan took the opportunity to introduce Ambassador Lametti as the new representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat.

In Laval, alongside Minister Champagne and Mayor Boyer, with shovel in hand, he “broke ground” on a new Ismaili Jamatkhana, an important milestone for our community in the province of Quebec.

Jamatkhanas serve as spaces for community engagement, centres of learning and dialogue, spaces for volunteerism and civic action, and places of worship for the Ismaili community.

Upon arrival in Toronto, His Highness was welcomed by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

While in Toronto, His Highness marked the opening of Generations Toronto, an innovative project that combines affordable housing, long-term care and community services in an intergenerational model designed to strengthen dignity, connection and care for all ages and stages of life — from babies to seniors.

The occasion was marked alongside Minister Ali, Premier Ford and Mayor Chow, highlighting the broad support for this important initiative.

Generations Toronto follows Generations Calgary, which opened in 2019. Generations Vancouver is on the horizon, and, inshallah, similar models will follow across Canada.

Honourable senators, this visit invites us to reflect on the global work of the Aga Khan Development Network, or AKDN. Operating in more than 30 countries, AKDN works in education, health care, rural development, economic opportunity, cultural preservation and humanitarian assistance, improving the lives of millions of people every year in collaboration with governments.

At its core is a belief that pluralism, knowledge and opportunity are essential foundations for peaceful and prosperous societies.

Canada is proud to be both a partner in this work and a home to a vibrant Ismaili Muslim community of more than 120,000 Canadians.

Across our country, Ismaili Canadians contribute in countless ways through public service, business, philanthropy and volunteerism.

Honourable colleagues, at a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, visits such as this one remind us of the enduring power of partnership, pluralism and service.

My thanks to Dr. Eboo, representative of the delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Canada, Mr. Kassim-Lakha, president of the Ismaili Council of Canada, and MP Taleeb Noormohamed, along with their teams and the hundreds of volunteers, whose dedication ensured that the inaugural visit of His Highness the Aga Khan to Canada was a tremendous success. Thank you.