Canadian Heritage
 |
Jul 10, 2008 16:00 ET
Statement by the Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P., Secretary of
State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 10, 2008) -
I am pleased
to join Canadian Ismailis, as well as Ismailis around the world, in
marking the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of
the Shi'a Ismaili Muslims.
Mowlana Hazar Imam has now led the
Ismaili Muslims for more than half a century. During those years he has
exerted a profound influence within his community and far beyond. Canada
has greatly benefited from members of the Ismaili community who have
made this country their home and who contribute to all aspects of
Canadian life.
As Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said, "We are
proud to live in a country that embraces the many cultures and religions
of the world. Our Government considers diversity to be one of this
country's greatest assets, and we are committed to strengthening both
our pluralism and our national unity."
I am pleased that the
Government has a strong, long-standing relationship with Aga Khan
Foundation Canada. This year marks the 25th anniversary of our
collaboration. In Afghanistan, for example, the Foundation is a trusted
partner of Canada in the effort to provide development, reconstruction
and humanitarian assistance to ensure a brighter future for that
country.
Canada is providing $8 million to the Aga Khan
Foundation Canada for its Girls Education Support Program in
Afghanistan. The program is helping girls gain access to high-quality
learning opportunities in secure and supportive learning environments.
It is expected to benefit more than 100,000 girls and 4,600 teachers in
close to 350 schools in Bamyan, Baghlan and Badakshan provinces in
northern Afghanistan.
Canada is also contributing some $7 million
to the Foundation's Afghanistan Community Renewal Program. Our
assistance helps to identify, implement and sustain a number of projects
that foster rural development and literacy. Together, these initiatives
are making a significant difference in the lives of many
Afghans.
We are also honoured that His Highness is establishing
the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum
and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto.
The Government of Canada is
pleased to have a valued partner in the Aga Khan Foundation
Canada.
As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian
Identity), I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim
Aga Khan on the 51st anniversary of his accession as Imam. I encourage
all Canadians to join in the Imamat Day celebrations and to learn more
about the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian
Ismaili community.
For more information, please contact
Office of the
Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P.
Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
Alykhan Velshi
Director
of Communications
alykhan...@pch.gc.ca
