Statement — Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Khushiali

Ottawa, July 11, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Khushiali (Imamat Day):

“I am pleased to join Ismailis in Canada and around the world today in marking the 56th anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims, having succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, on this day in 1957.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Government of Canada’s collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada. Canadians are honoured and privileged by our country’s close connection with the Aga Khan and his important work in humanitarian assistance, development aid, and the promotion of pluralism.

“The strong, long-standing connection between Canada and the Aga Khan may be best exemplified by the fact that His Highness is one of only five people to have been bestowed with honorary Canadian citizenship.

“Another connection is the Aga Khan Museum, which is expected to open in Toronto this year. Once completed, the museum will be a permanent home for some of the most important pieces of Islamic art and heritage in the world, including items and artefacts from His Highness’s private collection. Sharing the museum site will be an Ismaili Centre – the second such community centre in Canada and one of only a handful in the world.

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 56th anniversary of his accession as Imam. I also want to express my admiration for the extraordinary example of compassion and tolerance the Aga Khan has set, and my sincere gratitude for his contributions and continued commitment to Canada.

“Khushiali Mubarak.”

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

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