Minister Kenney issues statement to recognize Canada’s Ismaili Muslim Community as they celebrate Navroz

Ottawa, March 20, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to recognize Canada’s Ismaili Muslim Community as it celebrates Navroz:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my best wishes to all members of Canada’s Ismaili Muslim community as they celebrate Navroz in the days ahead.

“Navroz is a time for families to get together to celebrate new beginnings, to visit friends and family and to be thankful for the many blessings of abundance that we all enjoy in Canada.

“I would also like to take to take this opportunity to commend Canada’s Ismaili community, which has contributed greatly to our country’s rich heritage and to our pluralistic character.

“We have been honoured by frequent visits from the Aga Khan as he continues his work in spreading the positive message of the Global Centre for Pluralism, which is headquartered in Canada. His extraordinary example of compassion and tolerance is an inspiration to all Canadians. This is why we were proud to bestow honourary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan to honour his work as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I wish all members of Canada’s Ismaili Muslim community a Navroz Mubarak.”

Source: Message sent by Honorable Minister Kenney’s office to Ismailimail via email.

Minister Kenney Welcomes new Global Centre for Pluralism Board of Directors

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Oct. 7, 2010) – On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today issued the following statement:

“I applaud His Highness the Aga Khan’s announcement of a Board of Directors for the Global Centre for Pluralism. I am very pleased to meet the members of the Board, who are gathering in Ottawa for an inaugural two-day meeting.

“The Government of Canada supports efforts to encourage pluralism as part of our policy to build an integrated and socially cohesive society and we are honoured that Ottawa was selected as the site of the Global Centre for Pluralism.

“I am confident that the renowned and skilled individuals who will sit on the Centre’s Board of Directors will enhance the important work that the Global Centre for Pluralism will carry out on the international stage.”

via Minister Kenney Welcomes new Global Centre for Pluralism Board of Directors.

July 2010: Minister Kenney Issues Statement Recognizing Imamat Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – July 9, 2010) – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing Imamat Day:

“This coming Sunday is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Ismailis in Canada and around the world in marking the anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.

“Canada has greatly benefited from members of the Ismaili community who have made, and continue to make, great contributions to Canada’s heritage, culture and society.

“Just over a month ago, we were honoured to welcome His Highness at a foundation ceremony in Toronto for the Aga Khan Museum – a permanent home for his collection of Islamic art, as well as other artifacts relating to the intellectual, cultural, artistic and religious heritage of Islamic communities.

“Sharing the Museum site will be an Ismaili Centre – which upon completion will be the second such community centre in Canada and one of only a handful in the world.

“This initiative exemplifies the vision of the Aga Khan, who has exerted a profound influence both within and far beyond his community, and has become an extraordinary example of compassion and tolerance.

“At the ceremony in late May, in a moment of great pride for Canadians, His Highness was bestowed with honourary Canadian citizenship by Prime Minister Harper.

“As Prime Minister Harper has said, the Aga Khan’s ‘name has become synonymous with humanitarian aid and development in countries beset by conflict and poverty. Just as importantly, he has worked tirelessly as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.’

“For all Canadians, Imamat Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the significant and remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community.

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 53rd anniversary of his accession as Imam, and sincere gratitude for his continued commitment to Canada.”

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/statements/2010/2010-07-09.asp
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Minister-Kenney-Issues-Statement
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Minister-Kenney-Issues

The Speakers and a huge Quilt – at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat

Senate Speaker Noël Kinsella and House Speaker Peter Milliken hosted a reception at The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat for the Quilt of Belonging, a 36-metre by 3.5-metre tapestry that portrays all the First Peoples of Canada and every nation of the world.

Speaker Noël Kinsella	Mobina Jafffer and MP Nicole Demers
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney	Senator Mobina Jaffer and MP Justin Trudeau

Source: http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/12/23/the-speakers-and-a-huge-quilt/

—
Website of the quilt project:
http://www.invitationproject.ca/

excerpts:

The Quilt of Belonging is a stunning textile art project that shows there is a place for all in the fabric of society.

Quilt of Belonging is a 120 foot long by 10.5 foot high (36 metres by 3.5 metres) tapestry. The rich, cultural legacies portrayed in the 263 blocks include all the First Peoples in Canada and every nation of the world.

See the quilt block by block, here:
http://www.invitationproject.ca/gallery.php

Related post

Minister Jason Kenney Extends Birthday Wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan

ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Dec. 11, 2009) – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the birthday this coming Sunday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan:

“I would like to extend warm birthday wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.

“The Aga Khan has now been the spiritual leader of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims for more than half a century. During that time he has exerted a profound influence both within and far beyond his community, and has become an extraordinary example of compassion and tolerance.

Canadian Government honours FOCUS and the Ismaili Council for Canada

Compiled by: FOCUS | 6 November 2009 | TheIsmaili.org

Each year, millions of people around the world are forced to flee their homelands to escape persecution, war or severe human rights abuses. Often, these people are permanently displaced and are never able to return home. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, and the subsequent civil war, millions of people sought refuge in neighbouring Central and South Asian countries. Many also found themselves fleeing to North America, Europe and other countries to find a safe haven and start a new life.

On Friday, 9 October 2009, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) and the Ismaili Council for Canada, together with a number of other organisations, were honoured for their work on refugee settlement at a ceremony in Toronto.

Read at:  http://www.theismaili.org/cms/904/Canadian-Government-honours-FOCUS-and-the-Ismaili-Council-for-Canada

Earlier related

FOCUS and Council for Canada Honored by Canadian Government

Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) and the Council for Canada, together with a number of other organizations, were honored for their work on refugee settlement at a ceremony in Toronto, on Friday, October 9, 2009.

The occasion was the 30th Anniversary of the Private Sponsorship Program (PSR) run by the Canadian Government which has facilitated over 200,000 refugees to enter the country, settle and establish new lives.

Click here to read.

http://www.rstp.ca/index.php

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney tours Canada’s Darkhana Jamatkhana in Burnaby, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and his assistant Ronald Leung, visited and were given a tour of Burnaby Darkhana Jamatkhana by officials of British Columbia Ismaili Institutions last week

Burnaby Jamatkhana, Canada – All related

Minister Kenney Issues Statement Marking Imamat Day

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Jul 10, 2009 15:34 ET

Minister Kenney Issues Statement Marking Imamat Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – July 10, 2009) – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement regarding Imamat Day:

“Tomorrow is Imamat Day and I am pleased to join Canadian Ismailis, as well as Ismailis around the world, in marking the anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.

Journalist Mansoor Ladha presents his book to Minister Jason Kenney

Award-winning journalist Mansoor Ladha recently met Canadian Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Hon. Jason Kenney, in Calgary, where he presented him his book, “A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” published by Detselig. Mr. Kenney represents the southeast constituency in Calgary. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 1997 and has been re-elected three times, most recently with 76 percent of the vote. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2006, and Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) in 2007.

Canada’s Government Send Navroz Video Greetings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpN8yjng4BU

Earlier related – Search Navroz at Ismaili Mail

Minister Jason Kenney visits Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, India

Exclusive: Ismaili Mail Interview

On a recent trip to India Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Hon. Jason Kenney visited Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi. The following is a short online interview of the Minister conducted by Ismaili Mail:

Ismaili Mail: Honourable Minister Jason Kenney, at the outset Ismaili Mail would like to thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions about your visit to Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, India earlier this month.

Minister Kenney: My pleasure

Ismaili Mail: What made you decide to visit this remarkable monument to the Mughal presence in India?

Minister Kenney: When this trip was being planned I asked Alykhan Velshi, my communications director, to see if we could fit in a visit to a place that would highlight some of the work the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has done and continues to do.  Humayun’s Tomb is one perfect example of AKDN’s efforts to revive interest in Islamic architecture and heritage and to plan its programs so that a maximum number of people around a particular project can benefit from it.

Ismaili Mail: What were your impressions of Humayun’s Tomb?

Minister Kenney: Firstly, it is a remarkably beautiful structure typifying the Mughal period in the history of India. It also predated the Taj Mahal by about a century and served as a prototype structure around which the Taj Mahal was conceived. Secondly, I was also fascinated by the ‘Chahar Baag‘ garden reconstruction which, I am told, was done by AKDN according to the original plans and documents from the archives and reflects a Persian style and ethos. ‘Chahar Baag’ is one large garden divided into four gardens by water channels at right angles to each other, which symbolises the four rivers of Paradise. I actually think that the symbolism represented by the garden’s symmetry reminds me of the wonderful speech made by His Highness The Aga Khan a few weeks ago at the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa in which he spoke poetically about the symbolism of the rock crystal part of the roof of that stunning building. There is still some reconstruction work that needs to be done on Humayun’s Tomb — parts of the outer structure are damaged by acid rain — so I look forward to visiting it again when further reconstruction work has been completed.

Ismaili Mail: I should mention that this ‘Chahar Baag’ garden concept also graces the rooftop garden of the Ismaili Center in South Kensington, London, UK, the courtyard garden of the Centro Ismaili in Lisbon, Portugal, the inner courtyard garden of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa, Canada and will be a fixture at the Ismaili Center and Aga Khan Museum to be constructed in Toronto, Canada.

Minister Kenney: That is fascinating; I must make a point of visiting these centers when I visit the United Kingdom, Europe and Toronto in the future.

Ismaili Mail: Thank you once again, Honourable Minister Kenney, for taking the time from your busy schedule to speak with Ismail Mail.

Minister Kenney: Thank you.

Minister’s Visit to Highlight Strength of Canada-India Relationship

Immigration Minister’s Visit to Highlight Strength of Canada-India Relationship; Address Issues Raised by Indo-Canadian Community

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Jan. 7, 2009) – Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney will meet several Ministers in the Indian government, community and business leaders, as well as immigration staff in Canada’s New Delhi and Chandigarh visa offices during a visit to India next week.

—-snip—-

Before returning to Canada January 18, 2009, the Minister will also travel to Mumbai, where he will express Canada’s condolences for the terrorist attacks in November 2008, and visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and sites of importance particularly to the Jewish and Ismaili communities.

—-snip—-

via MarketWire

Minister Kenney Extends Birthday Wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan

From Government of Canada Website

Dec 12, 2008 15:33 ET

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Dec. 12, 2008) – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, which is on December 13:

“I would like to extend warm birthday wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.

As a spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim people, the Aga Khan is an extraordinary example of compassion and tolerance. This is most evident in the Aga Khan Development Network, which he founded and now chairs. The network, which works towards social, economic and cultural development in Asia and Africa, will be headquartered in Ottawa at a new Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. This stunning building was officially opened by the Aga Khan and Prime Minister Harper just a few days ago on December 6. I am proud that Canada was chosen to house such a significant structure, the first of its kind in the world.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with the Aga Khan several times, most recently during his latest visit to Canada. Each time, I was impressed by a man who has done so much for the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim people and humanity. In the words of Prime Minister Harper, “his name has become synonymous with humanitarian aid and development in countries beset by conflict and poverty. Just as importantly, he has worked tirelessly as a bridge-builder between faiths and cultures.”

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan is truly an inspiration and I wish him a long, healthy and blessed life.”

Source

Related video

Minister Jason Kenney sends birthday greetings to His Highness the Aga Khan on behalf of the Stephen Harper Government

2008: Canada’s Government Send Khushiali Video Greetings

Earlier related:
2007: Canadian Government Sends Khushiali Video Greetings

2007: Canadian MP Rahim Jaffer Delivers Khushiali Statement

Photo Gallery of Minister Jason Kenney with Mawlana Hazar Imam, Friday December 5th 2008

His Highness The Aga Khan arriving in Ottawa to launch the Delelgation of the Ismaili Imamat.

Photo Gallery

Minister Jason Kenney receives Mawlana Hazar Imam and Noorani Family at Ottawa Airport, Friday December 5th 2008

Mawlana Hazar Imam and members of the Noorani Family were received at the Ottawa Airport by Minister Jason Kenney on Friday December 5th 2008. They were in Ottawa for the inaugural of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat the following day.

Office of the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism of Canada

Related

Joyous images characterise Ottawa meeting and its aftermath, November 19th 2008

On November 19th 2008 Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Ministers Jason Kenney and James Moore at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. After the meeting Hazar Imam posed for pictures with the Ministers, political staffers and others. Amidst all the serious discussions Mawlana Hazar Imam’s jovial mood during and after this meeting reflected his infectious happiness, smiling, humour and laughter that would come to permiate all the Golden Jubilee Darbars accross Canada over the course of the visit. Here, in pictures, is how it all unfolded:

Earlier related

Canadian Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) extends congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 51st anniversary of his accession as Imam

Jul 10, 2008 16:00 ET
Statement by the Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – July 10, 2008) -

I am pleased to join Canadian Ismailis, as well as Ismailis around the world, in marking the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.

Mowlana Hazar Imam has now led the Ismaili Muslims for more than half a century. During those years he has exerted a profound influence within his community and far beyond. Canada has greatly benefited from members of the Ismaili community who have made this country their home and who contribute to all aspects of Canadian life.

As Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said, “We are proud to live in a country that embraces the many cultures and religions of the world. Our Government considers diversity to be one of this country’s greatest assets, and we are committed to strengthening both our pluralism and our national unity.”

I am pleased that the Government has a strong, long-standing relationship with Aga Khan Foundation Canada. This year marks the 25th anniversary of our collaboration. In Afghanistan, for example, the Foundation is a trusted partner of Canada in the effort to provide development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to ensure a brighter future for that country.

Canada is providing $8 million to the Aga Khan Foundation Canada for its Girls Education Support Program in Afghanistan. The program is helping girls gain access to high-quality learning opportunities in secure and supportive learning environments. It is expected to benefit more than 100,000 girls and 4,600 teachers in close to 350 schools in Bamyan, Baghlan and Badakshan provinces in northern Afghanistan.

Canada is also contributing some $7 million to the Foundation’s Afghanistan Community Renewal Program. Our assistance helps to identify, implement and sustain a number of projects that foster rural development and literacy. Together, these initiatives are making a significant difference in the lives of many Afghans.

We are also honoured that His Highness is establishing the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre in Toronto.

The Government of Canada is pleased to have a valued partner in the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), I extend sincere congratulations to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan on the 51st anniversary of his accession as Imam. I encourage all Canadians to join in the Imamat Day celebrations and to learn more about the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan and the Canadian Ismaili community.

Marketwire – StreetInsider.com

Statement by the Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) on Statistics Canada 2006 Census Releases on Ethnic Origin and Visible Minorities

Our government is pleased to support initiatives that preserve and promote Canadian identity.
…
We are also supporting the Aga Khan’s Global Centre for Pluralism, which will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – April 3, 2008) – According to statistics in Canada’s Ethnocultural Mosaic, 2006 Census, Canada’s visible minority population has risen from 13.4 per cent in 2001 to 16.2 per cent in 2006. These figures reflect what we have known for some time: diversity is alive and well in Canada.

As Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said “Generations of immigrants from all over the world have found peace and prosperity here. They have found equality of opportunity, appreciation for differences, and openness to change.”

Source

Hon. Jason Kenney, Secretary of State, sends Navroz and Milad Best Wishes

Mawlid al-Nabiy, the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, is one of the three largest celebrations of the Islamic calendar. Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrate the Prophet’s birth, life, and teachings with prayers, readings from the Qu’ran, feasts, good deeds, and compassion toward the poor.

–snip–

As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) and on behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage Canadians to join me in extending best wishes to everyone celebrating Mawlid al-Nabiy.

http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pc-ch/news-comm/DJK072606_e.cfm

Greetings to everyone celebrating Now Ruz, the Persian New Year.
Now Ruz, which means ‘new day,’ is celebrated around the world by Iranians, Afghanis, and others. It takes place at the exact time of the spring equinox, symbolizing the renewal of the seasons and life.

–snip–

As the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone celebrating Now Ruz a healthy and happy holiday.

http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pc-ch/news-comm/DJK072500_e.cfm

Declaration on behalf of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper On the Birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan

Ottawa, December 12, 2007

Video Message

Statement by the Hon. Jason Kenney,
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
On the Birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan

I join with people around the world in wishing His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan a happy birthday, and the Ismaili community in Canada a hearty Salgirah Mubarak and Khushiali Mubarak .

Thanks to the Aga Khan’s leadership, important institutions focused on social, economic, and cultural activities have been established in countries around the world. In Afghanistan, where Canadian soldiers are making enormous sacrifices to secure the peace and safeguard the Afghan people, the Aga Khan Foundation is helping to rebuild institutions and infrastructure for the benefit of the country. The work of these organizations in many ways reflects values that Canadians hold dear: freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

On November 5, 2007, I had the pleasure of meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan to discuss issues related to pluralism. Canada has been selected as the site for the Global Centre for Pluralism, and I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting this institution, which will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.

As Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) and on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, I commend His Highness the Aga Khan for his humanitarian efforts, and I wish him a long and healthy life.

Information:

Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP,
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
819 934-1122

From Official Canadian Heritage Website

Canada News Centre

Video Message

Government of Canada sends video greetings to His Highness the Aga Khan and the Shia Ismaili Muslim community

Message from Hon Jason Kenney, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity

Canada’s history of Pluralism – Hon. Jason Kenny, speech in November

excerpt…

Canada’s history of pluralism includes religious diversity. Prime Minister Harper recently noted that, throughout our history, the accommodation of minorities — regional, ethnic, linguistic or religious — has been critical to Canada’s overall health as a country.

In fact, many of the values that Canadians hold dear — freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law — have evolved out of our diverse heritage.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting human rights, social inclusion, fostering diversity, and strengthening our pluralism.

Our Government considers diversity to be one of this country’s greatest strengths, and we are pleased to support initiatives to preserve and promote pluralism.

For example, I am proud that our Government is working to establish the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. This national museum, the first to be built outside of the National Capital Region, will serve as a powerful symbol of this country’s commitment to recognizing, promoting and celebrating human rights, at home and abroad.

Canada is recognized around the world as a country that embraces pluralism. This was illustrated by the decision to select this country as the site for the Global Centre for Pluralism. I am pleased that my Government is supporting this institution, which I believe will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.

As well, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s decision to locate the new international centre for peace and education in Vancouver is an important recognition of our country’s commitment to peace, harmony and understanding.

And I am delighted that Toronto is home to an established branch of One Free World International. I consider this to be another example of Canada’s success as a pluralistic society.

Source

Global Centre for Pluralism will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead – Hon. Jason Kenny, speech in October

excerpt…

For example, our Government is working to establish the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. This national museum, the first to be built outside of the National Capital Region, will serve as a powerful symbol of this country’s commitment to recognizing, promoting and celebrating human rights, at home and abroad.

As well, I was very pleased when this country, here in Ottawa in fact, was selected as the site for the Aga Khan’s Global Centre for Pluralism. I am proud that my Government is supporting this institution, which I believe will serve as a cornerstone of good governance, the rule of law, and human development in the years ahead.

As well, I believe that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s decision to locate the new International Centre for Peace and Education in Vancouver is an important recognition of our country’s commitment to peace, harmony and understanding.

Source