Prime Minister Harper announces funding for the new Global Centre for Pluralism

October 30, 2006

Rahim joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper in announcing that Canada’s New Government is partnering with the Aga Khan to establish the new Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

The Centre will promote pluralism internationally as a means to advance good governance, peace and human development. It will support academic and professional development, provide advisory services, and support research and learning in developed and developing countries.

As the official master of ceremonies for the announcement, Rahim highlighted his personal engagement on this file and the special significance it carried for him personally.

"As a member of a family that came to Canada to escape persecution, I have a deep appreciation for our country’s tradition of pluralistic understanding and tolerance," he said.

"In 1972, the brutal regime of Idi Amin expelled all South Asians from the country.

My family made the decision to come to Canada and my standing here today; as an immigrant and a Member of Parliament, is a testament to our unshakable belief in the principle of equality of opportunity.

My experience is just one example of how much Canada has to share with the world as we strive for a more peaceful, hopeful global society."

At a signing ceremony in the historic Reading Room of Centre Block on Parliament Hill, the partnership agreement was signed by the Aga Khan and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Beverly J. Oda.

The agreement provides for the Centre to be funded through an endowment seeded with $30 million from the federal government and $10 million from the Aga Khan Development Network. It will be governed by a Board of Directors that will report annually to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Government intends to conclude a lease agreement that will see the Centre located in the Sussex Drive landmark that was the former home of the Canadian War Museum. 

The Aga Khan has committed to spending a minimum of $20 million renovating the building to include fully-wired classrooms, an innovative research library, and a professional theatre that will support and showcase the Centre’s research and learning programs.