Toronto, 28 February 2014 – Mawlana Hazar Imam and the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, announced a joint human development initiative that will touch the lives of more than a million people.
“Canada is pleased to partner on this initiative with Aga Khan Foundation Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper, “a trusted ally who continues to do remarkable work around the world under the leadership of His Highness, a true champion of international development, pluralism and tolerance.”
The five-year, CAD $100-million partnership between the Aga Khan Development Network and the Government of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development was announced at an event hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam's visit to the country.
“When you do the work that I do in so many different countries, you look at who are your partners,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam. “All around the world, wherever we work, every time we show the Canadian flag, there is applause gratitude and happiness.”
On Thursday, Mawlana Hazar Imam delivered a historic address to the Parliament of Canada, in which he described the importance of civil society as a stabilising force and cited Canada as a successful example. Hazar Imam and the Prime Minister then signed a Protocol of Understanding, which provides a framework and strategic direction for the Ismaili Imamat and Canada.
Friday's event, which took place at Toronto's Massey Hall, was attended by over 2,000 guests, including government, corporate and civil society leaders, and Ismailis who travelled to Toronto from across the country.
“Today I have in front of me the best of civil society,” said Hazar Imam, “and I want you to know how happy and proud I am that in a few months time we will open a new Ismaili Centre here in Toronto, and a new museum.”
Noting the exciting opportunity provided by the park, Hazar Imam explained that AKDN has learnt the importance of green spaces to the development of civil society in many parts of the world, the Imam expressed a hope that “all the people of Toronto will feel that the park that will be around these buildings is their park.”
“I want to thank the Prime Minister and his government – I want thank all Canadians – for the wonderful partnership that they have given us,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam. “It's built on a deep sharing of values.”
“Thank you Canada.”
