July 8 ISMAILI IMAMAT DAY 

On Ismaili Imamat Day, we join Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV as the 49th hereditary Imam – spiritual leader – of Shia Ismaili Muslims.

Since becoming Imam, the Aga Khan has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of both the Shia Ismaili community and the many places they live around the world. His contributions have helped countless people through the Aga Khan Development Network, whose mission is: dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Canada shares the values that the Aga Khan promotes – compassion, pluralism, human rights, and respect for diversity. We recognize the important role that these values play in building the diverse, generous, and prosperous country that we call home. We are proud to have bestowed honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan and honoured to host both the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.