TORONTO, February 28, 2014 - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) joins other Canadians in welcoming to Canada His Highness, the Aga Khan, who is now the first non-head of state to address Canada's Parliament since Kofi Annan and is being honoured again at an event in Toronto this evening.
The Aga Khan has been a key partner with Canadians in promoting tolerance and development through international programs and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. He is also the spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims and the 49th Imam of Nizari Ismailism. He has been recognized for his philanthropy and promotion of respect for diversity and has previously received the Order of Canada and honorary Canadian Citizenship.
"We are especially pleased that our Board was invited to help honour such an important leader and model for building a world based on some of the founding principles of our own Foundation. We regret not being able to participate in tonight's event in Toronto with other Canadians and particularly with the Ismaili community. Previously scheduled events in Vancouver, in pursuit of the same global objectives that the Aga Khan praised in his speech to Parliament, prevented us from doing so. We salute him and the many members of Ismaili community who have contributed so positively to our society, " said Albert Lo, Chairperson of the CRRF (Information on these events can be found at www.crr.ca/en/).
For further information: Rubin Friedman, Spokesperson for CRRF, 647-403-8526
Aga Khan calls Canada a leader among nations - The Toronto Star (27 February 2014)
Aga Khan, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announce $100M joint aid venture - The Toronto Star (28 February 2014)
Aga Khan Development Network - The Aga Khan Development Network (2007)