Quick Read
- The Aga Khan conducted his first official visit to Canada since his accession in February 2025.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Aga Khan announced new joint initiatives focused on housing and international economic development.
- The groundbreaking of the Laval Jamatkhana marks a significant investment in community infrastructure and inclusive cultural space in Quebec.
Shah Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, a religious leader, philanthropist, and businessman, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Nizari Isma’ili Muslims, is currently concluding an official visit to Canada, a journey that marks his first such tour since acceding to the Imamate in February 2025. The visit, which began on March 25, 2026, has centered on reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Canada, with a focus on shared commitments to pluralism, social inclusion, and international development.
Diplomatic Engagement with Prime Minister Mark Carney
Upon his arrival in Ottawa, the Aga Khan held high-level discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney. This meeting served as a critical platform to reaffirm the bilateral relationship, which has spanned over five decades. The leaders issued a joint declaration outlining new collaborative initiatives, specifically targeting housing affordability within Canada and expanded economic development programming on an international scale. Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the profound contributions of the 120,000-strong Ismaili community in Canada, citing their role as a bridge between the nation’s values and global humanitarian efforts.
Groundbreaking of the Laval Jamatkhana
In a significant cultural and community milestone, the Aga Khan presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Laval Jamatkhana in Quebec on March 27. Joined by Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer and Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne, the Imam finalized the architectural designs and unveiled the foundation plaque. The project is designed to serve as both a spiritual space for the Ismaili community and a hub for broader civic engagement, offering inclusive programming accessible to all residents of the region.
Strengthening Shared Values
The visit has also included a reception hosted by Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall, where the Aga Khan emphasized his intention to build upon the legacy of his predecessor, the late 49th Imam. The dialogue throughout the week has consistently underscored the role of the Ismaili Imamat as a stabilizing force in an increasingly complex global environment. By integrating cultural, social, and economic priorities, the visit highlights the enduring nature of the Canada-Imamat alliance in addressing contemporary challenges.
The visit signals a deliberate continuity in the Imamat’s diplomatic strategy, prioritizing institutional stability and local community integration as the primary vehicles for advancing global pluralism.