Aga Khan and Prime Minister Carney: A Partnership Built on Pluralism and Progress
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently met with the Aga Khan on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, marking a significant moment for Canada and the Ismaili Imamat. This meeting isn’t merely a ceremonial gesture; it represents a continuation of a decades-long relationship rooted in shared values and a commitment to building a better world.
The story of the Aga Khan and Canada dates back to 1972, a pivotal year when Idi Amin expelled Uganda’s entire Asian population. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, then Prime Minister, and the Aga Khan IV forged a bond based on a shared vision of pluralism. Canada opened its doors to approximately 8,000 Ugandan Asians, including 7,000 Ismailis, representing the largest resettlement of non-white, non-Christian refugees in Canadian history at the time.
A Legacy of Contribution
The impact of this decision is undeniable. The Ismaili community, arriving with limited resources, has flourished, contributing significantly to Canadian society. Over the past 50 years, they have produced leaders in various fields – senators, cabinet ministers, jurists, mayors, and professionals in business, medicine, and the arts. Their contributions aren’t just statistics; they are a testament to Canada’s bet on inclusivity and the potential of welcoming those seeking refuge. As Bob Rae notes, this is a human return on a bet Canada made on itself.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Aga Khan V shares with Prime Minister Carney a belief that addressing global challenges – inequality, displacement, climate change, and conflict – requires durable institutions and targeted investment. Their discussions focused on practical solutions, not just symbolic gestures. A joint declaration highlighted key areas of collaboration, including housing and international development.
Investing in Canadian Communities
Prime Minister Carney welcomed the Ismaili Imamat’s investments in multi-generational, not-for-profit housing projects across Canada. This is particularly significant given Canada’s current housing crisis. A community that once arrived as refugees is now actively helping to house the next generation of Canadians, demonstrating a commitment to building rather than waiting.
Global Development Partnership
The partnership extends beyond Canada’s borders. A new Economic Partnership Platform will see FinDev Canada and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development pool resources to invest in infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and financial institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia Pacific. This aligns Canada’s development finance capacity with one of the world’s most experienced private development networks, known for its long-term, institution-building work in fragile states. Joint programming in Syria will address both immediate recovery needs and sustainable development.
Strengthening International Ties
In a world facing increasing international pressure, this collaboration exemplifies responsible middle-power leadership. The leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to prevent further escalation and address the impact on civilians. The Aga Khan expressed his continued belief in Canada’s values and its willingness to act on them, even when challenging.
The late Aga Khan IV demonstrated this belief by establishing the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa and a museum in Toronto dedicated to Islamic civilization. Aga Khan V is committed to carrying this legacy forward, not as inherited sentiment, but as an active partnership with a Prime Minister who shares his vision.
To underscore the importance of this renewed partnership, Prime Minister Carney announced the appointment of Ambassador David Lametti as Canada’s representative to the Ismaili Imamat, recognizing the relationship’s intersection with both domestic and international priorities.
This partnership isn’t simply a matter of bilateral relations; it’s a recognition of the Imamat’s global network and its deep roots within Canadian society. It’s a forward-looking approach, focused on building something lasting in a turbulent world.
