Malik Talib, Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, and Dean Duperron, President of the Canadian Club of Vancouver, welcome His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada to the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. Hakam Bhaloo

As part of an official three-day visit to the province of British Columbia, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston attended a luncheon with the Canadian Club of Vancouver on Wednesday, hosted at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. They were joined by members of the diplomatic corps, civil society leaders, public servants, and professionals from diverse fields of social, economic and cultural activity, as well as leaders of the Ismaili community.

“We are so fortunate to be here,” said the Governor General in his keynote address, “here in this beautiful building for the Ismaili community; but of course it is a building for the entire country – the citizens of Canada.” His Excellency underlined the values and ideals which shape a vibrant Canadian identity in the 21st century, and enjoined upon all Canadians the importance of volunteerism and philanthropy, which he has made a key component of his mandate as Governor General.

Malik Talib, Vice-President of the Ismaili Council for Canada, welcomed the gathering to the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby. The Ismaili Centres, he said, reflect a mood of humility, forward outlook, friendship and dialogue, and seek to enhance, facilitate and encourage mutual exchanges and understanding. Noting the synergy of values between the Ismaili Muslim community, the office of the Governor General, the Canadian Club, and other civil society organisations committed to peaceful and pluralistic progress, he recalled Mawlana Hazar Imam's words from October 2010 at the 10th annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture: “What the Canadian experience suggests to me is that identity itself can be pluralistic... One can embrace an ethnic or religious heritage, while also sharing a sense of national or regional pride.”

Dean Duperron, President of the Canadian Club of Vancouver spoke on behalf of the Club. He described their work as a continuation of those aspirations shared by Canadians throughout history “to strengthen Canada, by fostering interest in Canadian issues and recognising and celebrating outstanding Canadians.”

The notion of civic identity resonates deeply with the work of the Canadian Club of Vancouver. Founded in 1906, the Club celebrates over a century of service in promoting Canadian identity and helping to instil pride of citizenship in all Canadians. With a focus on education and appreciation of Canadian history, talent and resources, they participate in civic activities, including citizenship ceremonies for new Canadians and recognising British Columbian recipients of the prestigious Order of Canada. In a letter sent on the occasion of their 14th annual Order of Canada Luncheon held in March, Prime Minister Stephen Harper commended the Club “for its commitment to fostering civic engagement and national pride.

After being introduced by Anar Popatia, Vice President of the Canadian Club of Vancouver, His Excellency expressed his pleasure at continuing “the long tradition of Governors General speaking at Canadian Clubs.” He went on to share his experiences from recent visits across Canada, outlining a 10-point plan to improve volunteerism and philanthropy in Canada. The Governor General called for reinvigorating a simple idea through innovation: “to see how we can be more caring, how we can be smarter about it, and how we can create a better Canada.”

In her closing remarks, Samira Alibhai, President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, expressed appreciation to Their Excellencies on behalf of the Ismaili Muslim community for the honour of their presence. She introduced the celebrated sitarist, Mohamed Assani, and talented tabla player, Mustafa Lalani, who offered a gift of music as a reminder of the universal values promoted by His Excellency which resonate in the hearts of caring Canadians.

Read the full text of the Governor General's speech.