PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday issued the following statement marking the birthday of the Aga Khan:

“Today, we join millions of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 85th birthday of their spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan.

“For more than six decades, His Highness has worked to advance gender equality, reduce poverty, and improve health care and education for the most vulnerable around the world. In the face of the global humanitarian crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, His Highness has worked to provide relief and support for families and communities through the Aga Khan Foundation.

“Guided by the values of compassion, diversity, and generosity, the Aga Khan is a global humanitarian leader who has spent his life helping to build a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous world. In recognition of his contributions to the international community, including through the Global Centre for Pluralism, based in Ottawa, and the Aga Khan Development Network, the Government of Canada was proud to name His Highness an honorary Canadian citizen in 2009 and to invest him as an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in 2005.

“On this day, Sophie and I thank the Aga Khan for his remarkable leadership on the world stage and we wish him many years of health and happiness to come.

“Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!”

B.C. Premier John Horgan issued the following statement:

“Today we join Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims in British Columbia and around the world in celebrating the 85th birthday of their spiritual leader, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

“The Aga Khan has worked selflessly to help reduce poverty and improve quality of life for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. As we all continue to cope with a global pandemic, addressing growing inequality has taken on new urgency.

“All his life, the Aga Khan has been a tireless champion of education and health care. His promotion of peace and pluralism has earned him a reputation as a global humanitarian. His deep commitment to social responsibility and human dignity are reflected in the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

“It was my great honour to meet the Aga Khan in Vancouver in 2018 to mark his Diamond Jubilee. His example is a lesson for us all in the importance of compassion and service.

“The Aga Khan is an honorary Canadian citizen and has been invested as an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada, both distinctions reflecting the esteem with which he is regarded by Canadians.

“The Aga Khan’s birthday reminds us all of our common humanity. We wish him happiness and continued health on his birthday and for years to come.”