This past week, His Highness the Aga Khan was in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver to inaugurate the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, be conferred as a Companion of the Order of Canada, meet with Paul Martin and other government officials, and visit with the Ismaili community in Canada.

In her speech at the inauguration of the Delegation, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson spoke highly of the Aga Khan’s committment to building civil society and improving the living conditions of all people around the world, as well as of the Ismaili community in general:

No one here needs to be told of the beneficial presence of the Ismaili community, both here in Canada and in its remarkable work in education and development throughout the world.

In establishing the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, and the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Civilization in Toronto, the Aga Khan has called upon our nation to participate with him in bringing about goodness across the globe. The Aga Khan himself spoke very highly of Canada and its role in being a sphere of positive influence:

The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in the federal capital, the new Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre to be built in Toronto, are symbols of this seriousness and respect that Canada, leading the West generally, accords to the world of Islam, of which the Ismaili Community, though a diverse minority itself, is fully representative. May this mutual understanding, so important to the future stability and progress of our world, flourish many fold.

In a private ceremony at Rideau Hall on the same day, Governor General Clarkson conferred the Companionship of the Order of Canada on the Aga Khan, with the following citation:

Personifying cherished Canadian values, His Highness the Aga Khan has devoted his life to protecting the environment and alleviating human suffering due to poverty. Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims since 1957, he has guided the spiritual growth of his followers, teaching compassion and tolerance by example. In 1967, he launched his foundation, the Aga Khan Development Network, with branches in countries around the world, including Canada. Recognizing our nation’s caring spirit, he cites Canada as a role model for the world and has selected Ottawa as the home of a new Global Centre for Pluralism.

In her introduction of the Aga Khan, Governor General Clarkson concluded with the following statement:

May I again say how pleased I am to be part of this important event in the life of the Ismaili community and also of this city and this country. Please be assured that you are welcome here. Know that when you speak, Canada and the world will listen. All of us here for this groundbreaking occasion would like to hear from you now.

The Ismaili community in Canada were especially waiting to hear him speak, as it had been thirteen years since the Aga Khan had last visited his followers in this country. As part of his visit, he addressed the Canadian community from eastern Canada in Toronto on June 8, and the western Canada community in Vancouver on June 10. For weeks prior and days after, celebrations took place to commemorate the momentous occasion.

With Ismaili Muslims coming to Toronto from across the country, continent, and from over 25 different countries to see the Aga Khan, these past few weeks have been quite busy, but very physically exciting and spiritually stimulating. This was definitely an experience to remember for a lifetime.