Province Supports Pluralism Ideal Fostered By Aga Khan For 50 Years
QUEEN’S PARK, July 11 /CNW/ – Ontario recognizes and celebrates the pluralism that has been the foundation of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 50 years as leader for Ismailis in Ontario and around the world, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle said today.
“The Aga Khan’s dedication to cross-cultural understanding and humanity’s advancement are consistent with the values Ontarians hold dear,” said Colle.
“That he has brought these ideals to life through his foundation and development network is a remarkable and praiseworthy achievement. On behalf of the McGuinty government, I extend congratulations to the Aga Khan, the Ismaili community and all others who are today marking his golden jubilee.”
Ontario’s Ismaili community is around 30,000 strong, concentrated in the Toronto area. Ismailis arrived in Canada and Ontario en masse from East Africa in the 1970s. The Aga Khan last visited Toronto in 2005. In 2002, it was announced that Toronto will be the permanent home for the Aga Khan Museum, which will showcase masterpieces of Islamic art.
In June, the province presented awards to several individuals who were long-serving volunteers in the Ismaili community. Voluntarism is an important tradition to Ismailis, as it is to Ontarians as a whole.
“The government of Ontario is committed to pluralism and to building a society that respects all cultures and creeds,” added Colle.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2007/11/c5726.html
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