Minister Kenney Issues Statement Marking Imamat Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jul 10 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and
Multiculturalism, issued the following statement regarding Imamat Day:

"Tomorrow is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Canadian Ismailis, as
well as Ismailis 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.

"The Aga Khan has now led the Ismaili Muslims for more than half a
century. During those years he has exerted a profound influence both
within and far beyond his community. 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.

"The Government has a strong, long-standing relationship with the Aga
Khan Foundation of Canada. This year marks the 26th 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.

"Last month, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan was granted honourary
Canadian citizenship in recognition of what Prime Minister Harper
described as his 'leadership as a champion of development, pluralism and
tolerance around the world.'

"We are also honoured that His Highness inaugurated, last December, the
new Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, and that he is
establishing the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto.

"The Government of Canada is also pleased to work in partnership with the
Aga Khan on the Global Centre for Pluralism initiative. The Ottawa-based
centre, located in the old Canadian War Museum building, aims to foster
and promote values, policies, and practices that support the development
of well-functioning pluralistic societies.

"As Prime Minister Harper has said, 'Pluralism is the principle that
binds our diverse peoples together.'

"As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend
sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 52nd
anniversary of his accession as Imam. I encourage all Canadians to join
in the Imamat Day celebrations and to learn more about the significant
and remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili
community."

Contacts:
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan Velshi
Minister's Office
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca

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