Quotes on Global Center for Pluralism from the Canadian Government

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer

Global Centre for Pluralism

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, last week, His Highness
the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shi’a Imami Ismaili Muslims,
and Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed a funding agreement for the
Global Centre for Pluralism.

His Highness the Aga Khan set out the reason why the partnership
between Canada and the Aga Khan Development Network is so important.
He stated:

The successful collaboration is deeply rooted in a remarkable
convergence of values — our strong mutual dedication to the concept
and practice of pluralism… for pluralism, in essence, is a
deliberate set of choices that a society must make if it is to avoid
costly conflict and harness the power of diversity in solving problems.

He continued by stating:

It will not surprise you that I am fascinated by Canada’s
experience as a successful pluralistic society. My active engagement
with Canada began in the 1970s when many Ismailies found a welcoming
refuge here in Canada from East African ethnic strife. Since that
time, the Ismaili community has planted deep roots here, become
self-sufficient and can now make its own contributions to Canada’s
pluralistic model. That model, in turn, is one which can help to teach
and inspire the entire world.

Indeed, our agreement itself exemplifies pluralism at work. It
brings together people, ideas and resources from different continents
and cultures, from religions and secular traditions, and from the
public and the private sectors. And it continues in that spirit today …

Our hope and expectation is that the Global Centre for Pluralism
will become a vital source in our world for research, learning and
dialogue, engaging Canadians from all walks of life and joining hands
with a widening array of partners.

The Aga Khan further stated:

I am grateful that the Government of Canada has contributed so
generously to its material and intellectual resources. Making
available the Old War Museum is a particularly generous and symbolic
gesture. Our own commitment is to invest in this building so it
becomes a worthy testimony to Canada’s global leadership in the cause
of peace.

He then went on to speak about the clash of civilizations:

Those who talk about an inevitable “clash of civilizations” can
point today to an accumulating array of symptoms that sometimes seems
to reflect their diagnosis. I believe, however, that this diagnosis is
wrong — that its symptoms are more dramatic than they are
representative — and that these symptoms are rooted in human ignorance
rather than human character.

The problem of ignorance is a problem that can be addressed.
Perhaps it can even be ameliorated — but only if we go to work on our
educational tasks with sustained energy, creativity and intelligence.

Honourable senators, today I am able to be a member of this auspicious
chamber with all of you because we in Canada believe in pluralism.
With the help of the new Global Centre for Pluralism, we will be able
to export our Canadian vision of pluralism to the rest of the world.
Hon. A. Raynell Andreychuk:

Honourable senators, I rise to draw
attention to, and commend Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his
government for entering into a partnership with His Highness the Aga
Khan to establish the new global centre for pluralism in Ottawa. With
the official signing yesterday, this initiative has turned into a
reality. The Sussex Drive landmark that was the former home of the
Canadian War Museum will now become the new global centre for
pluralism. As was noted by His Highness the Aga Khan, this symbolism
should not go unnoticed.

The centre will promote pluralism internationally as a means to
advance good governance, peace and human development. It will also
support academic and professional development, provide advisory
services and support research and learning in developed and developing
countries.

The moving and eloquent addresses of Prime Minister Harper and His
Highness the Aga Khan paid tribute to Canada’s diversity and the
strength of pluralism as a force for peace and tolerance. The Aga Khan
very wisely said that the clash of civilizations is not inevitable
despite an array of symptoms that might appear to suggest otherwise.
He spoke of systems being rooted in human ignorance rather than in
human character, and put forward the solution of the centre as one way
of addressing this problem of ignorance.

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, many of whom came to Canada in 1972,
were present in the audience to hear their leader express admiration
for Canada’s multicultural policies and, in particular, pay tribute to
their efforts and contributions to Canada and its pluralistic model.
Two parliamentarians in particular who represented this community were
Mr. Rahim Jaffer, who served as the master of ceremonies of the
program yesterday, and Senator Mobina Jaffer.

The Prime Minister stated:

Pluralism is the principle that binds our diverse people together.
It is elemental to our civil society and economic strength.

As parliamentarians, the new centre and its work should serve as a
reminder to all parliamentarians to continue to support the cause of
pluralism and to exercise Canada’s global leadership in the same way
by promoting peace and tolerance.

I hope that all Canadians, in particular all honourable senators, will
take the opportunity to read the full text of the comments of His
Highness the Aga Khan and of the Prime Minister. They serve as
templates on how to use diversity and pluralism to prosper as peaceful
and tolerant societies.

Ms. Yasmin Ratansi (Don Valley East, Lib.) :

Mr. Speaker, this week His Highness the Aga Khan visited Ottawa to
announce the planned location for the Global Centre for Pluralism.

The centre will transform the former location of the Canadian War
Museum on Sussex Drive into a non-denominational, not for profit
organization dedicated to fostering pluralism and peace. In his own
words, the Aga Khan observed that “Tolerance, openness and
understanding towards other people’s cultures, social structures,
values and faiths are now essential to the very survival of an
interdependent world”.

The centre will work in cooperation with the Canadian government
to engage in research and promote dialogue about ethnic, cultural,
linguistic and religious diversity with a view to help foster
pluralistic values and establish similar institutions worldwide.

Mr. Rahim Jaffer (Edmonton—Strathcona, CPC) :

Mr. Speaker, last month I rose in the House to wish Muslims across
Canada and around the world a successful Ramadan. With the conclusion
of the holy month, Muslims are now celebrating Eid.

It is fitting that at a time when Muslims show thanks for God’s
blessing through works of charity, that our government announced a
landmark partnership with His Highness the Aga Khan to establish the
new Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

Our government will conclude a lease agreement that will see the
centre located at the Sussex Drive landmark that formerly housed the
Canadian War Museum.

The centre will be a world class facility to promote pluralism
internationally as a means to advance good governance and peace by
supporting academic research and professional development in
developing countries.

I would like thank His Highness the Aga Khan and the Prime
Minister for their vision and dedication in realizing this exciting
initiative. On behalf of Canada’s new government, I wish all Muslims a
joyful celebration of Eid. Eid Mubarek.

Mr. Rahim Jaffer (Edmonton—Strathcona, CPC) :
Mr. Speaker, Canada is playing a crucial role in Afghanistan as
the country rebuilds after years of oppression. In addition to our
military role, Canada is leading the way by cooperating with dedicated
and experienced NGOs to provide needed development, reconstruction and
humanitarian assistance.

Our new government is working with NGOs like the Aga Khan
Foundation Canada to provide support for programs that are making life
better for the people of Afghanistan as they move forward to a
peaceful and more hopeful future.

With CIDA’s support, the foundation is working to provide viable
economic alternatives to poppy production in several Afghan provinces.
The project works closely with the Afghan government to enhance
livelihoods by spurring entrepreneurship and rehabilitating the
country’s economy.

This government is also proud to support projects enhancing
democratic participation among ordinary Afghans.

This government’s support for the positive work being done by NGOs
like the Aga Khan Foundation is just one way Canada is stepping up to
provide real leadership in Afghanistan.