• Discussing public policy and politics as part of the Canada 150 Series.
    25 April 2017 | Ismaili Centre Toronto

    Launching the Canada 150 Series with a Fireside Chat

    Discussing public policy and politics as part of the Canada 150 Series. Photo: Shafiq Shamji
8:30 pm
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Ismaili Centre Toronto
Canada

 

Toronto, 25 April 2017 - The Ismaili Centre, Toronto launched its Canada 150 Series with a Fireside Chat featuring the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General of Ontario, and Khalil Shariff, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. The chat, titled The Role of Public Policy and Politics as Canada Turns 150, demonstrated the Series’ objective to encourage dialogue surrounding issues of public importance.

Following welcome remarks from Ismaili Council for Ontario President Sheherazade Hirji, Ms. Andrea Nemtin, President and CEO of Inspirit Foundation engaged Mr. Naqvi and Mr. Shariff in a moderated discussion covering numerous themes, including the future of public policy in Canada, the rule of law in the 21st century, and how to implement pluralism in practice.

Mr. Naqvi remarked that it was important to remember that Canada’s history extends beyond 150 years.  “It’s not just a birthday…it’s about 150 years of Confederation,” he said.  Mr. Shariff stressed the importance of Canada using this milestone to become a stronger nation, including stronger governments and stronger civil societies.

A Q&A session allowed audience members to have an interactive discussion with the panelists and engage in thought-provoking dialogue about Canada’s future in the areas of policy, law, and pluralism.

Mr. Naqvi has served as Ontario’s Attorney General since 2011 and was first elected to the Ontario legislature as the MPP for Ottawa Centre in 2007. He has also served as Minister of Labour and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.  Mr. Shariff has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Aga Khan Foundation Canada since 2005. Prior to that, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he advised governments and financial institutions on strategy and organization.

The Canada 150 series is a collection of diverse events happening at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto in 2017 that will commemorate Canada’s sesquicentennial.