“Today, Ismailis celebrate the anniversary of the accession of His Highness the Aga Khan. Since 1957, he has served his people and all of humanity through extraordinary acts of generosity, compassion and leadership.

“His Highness has been a tremendous force for good in global development, women’s rights, education and religious tolerance. He has also been a friend to Alberta, notably through the stunning addition he funded at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

“Congratulations to His Highness on a lifetime spent personifying the Ismaili values of peace and enlightenment. I wish all Canadian Ismailis a day of joy as they pay their respects to their imam.”