OTTAWA, ONTARIO — 07/09/10 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Imamat Day:
“This coming Sunday is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Ismailis in Canada and around the world in marking the anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.”Canada has greatly benefited from members of the Ismaili community who have made, and continue to make, great contributions to Canada’s heritage, culture and society.
“Just over a month ago, we were honoured to welcome His Highness at a foundation ceremony in Toronto for the Aga Khan Museum – a permanent home for his collection of Islamic art, as well as other artifacts relating to the intellectual, cultural, artistic and religious heritage of Islamic communities.
“Sharing the Museum site will be an Ismaili Centre – which upon completion will be the second such community centre in Canada and one of only a handful in the world.
“This initiative exemplifies the vision of the Aga Khan, who has exerted a profound influence both within and far beyond his community, and has become an extraordinary example of compassion and tolerance.
“At the ceremony in late May, in a moment of great pride for Canadians, His Highness was bestowed with honourary Canadian citizenship by Prime Minister Harper.
“As Prime Minister Harper has said, the Aga Khan’s ‘name has become synonymous with humanitarian aid and development in countries beset by conflict and poverty. Just as importantly, he has worked tirelessly as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.’
“For all Canadians, Imamat Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the significant and remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 53rd anniversary of his accession as Imam, and sincere gratitude for his continued commitment to Canada.”
via Earth Times
Informatics 