Aga Khan’s efforts show benefits of pluralism

Earlier this month in Ottawa, the Global Centre for Pluralism officially opened its doors. The centre, a partnership between the Aga Khan and the government of Canada, is an important example of the bridge-building he has spearheaded along with support for important humanitarian causes in Canada and in the global south. The many institutions the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims and his community have supported in Canada and around the world are shining examples of service to the community and the less fortunate.

Vancouver might be thought of as a living laboratory for the concept of pluralism as such a diverse society learns from day to day how to live in harmony while learning from some of the mistakes of the past, such as the Chinese head tax or the internment of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, let alone the experiences of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

This Sunday, Vancouver will, once again, hold the annual World Partnership Walk in beautiful Stanley Park to benefit the excellent work of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, which works at the grassroots level in Africa and Asia to “tackle poverty on many fronts: improving access to quality education and health, increasing food security, creating economic opportunities for women and men, and building strong, resilient communities and local institutions.”

The annual Ismaili walk in Vancouver has been supporting local Vancouver charities such as hospitals, shelters and other worthy causes for 25 years.

Each time I learn more about the work of the Aga Khan, his institutions and his community of followers and their contributions to Canadian society and the world, I become increasingly impressed with the level and quality of commitment and service.

Mike Harcourt served as B.C. premier from 1991 to 1996 and mayor of Vancouver from 1980 to 1986.