Over 12,000 Edmontonians enjoyed the complimentary breakfast including pancakes and watermelon, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation.

Premier of Alberta, the Honourable Rachel Notley, not only attended the event, but also donned an apron to serve breakfast alongside Aga Khan Council for Edmonton President Zahra Somani. Mayor of Edmonton, His Worship Don Iveson, and many other local community leaders were also in attendance. 

The Ismaili community is the main contributor of volunteer resources, food supplies and organization for the breakfast, working in partnership with the Edmonton Celebrate Canada Day Society.

The breakfast was followed by a Citizenship ceremony at which several dignitaries including President Somani congratulated new Canadians on becoming citizens. The ceremony was celebrated with cake and juice, welcoming Edmonton’s newest Canadian citizens in the spirit of pluralism and inclusion.

Fahd Mirza, a volunteer at the event, recalls the sight of so many happy faces and the joy of the community and volunteers. “We are blessed to be a part of a country that has no divide,” he said.

The event also serves as an opportunity to give back to those in need. This year, a donation of $7,500 was made to Edmonton’s Food Bank through food drives held in local Jamatkhanas during the month of Ramadan.

In addition, to commemorate Canada 150, the Ismaili community of Edmonton officially announced its pledge of 10,000 hours of volunteer service to improve the quality of life of those in need within the greater community. This will be carried out through partnerships with the City of Edmonton, Habitat for Humanity, the United Way and the University of Alberta on a number of initiatives that will take place over the next year.