His Excellency, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, today presented his credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat. Prince Rahim received Mr Goodale’s credentials on behalf of Mawlana Hazar Imam.

Today’s ceremony was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Mr Goodale is the third appointee by Canada since the signing in 2014 of a Protocol of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat. The Protocol enables reciprocal appointments of diplomatic representatives. Mr. Goodale succeeds Marc-André Blanchard, Canada’s then Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, and Gordon Campbell, Canada’s then High Commissioner in the United Kingdom. 

In his remarks at the ceremony, Prince Rahim commented on the long relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada. “The relationship, as you know, goes back more than 50 years,” he said. 

“The work we have done with the Canadian Government has attempted to address some of the major issues of our time, and continues to do so. Canada has been a preferred partner for the Imamat in the work we do internationally, but domestically as well.”

In responding on behalf of the Government of Canada, Representative Goodale paid tribute to the Jamat in Canada: “Within Canada, the Ismaili community has flourished for the past 50 years and it contributes very significantly to enhancing the strength and the prosperity of our diverse country. Through their unwavering dedication to service and to helping other people and those in need, the Ismaili Muslim community exemplifies the best of what it means to be Canadian.”

He went on to speak of the work of the AKDN: “Canada has been inspired by the work of the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, empower women and girls, and help develop infrastructure in underserved regions. Over many years, these efforts have improved the lives of quite literally millions of people around the world.” 

In announcing Representative Goodale’s appointment in December 2023, the Government of Canada said that it “reflects the importance that Canada places on its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat. As Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, High Commissioner Goodale will work to further enhance relations through strategic-level dialogue and collaboration on areas of shared interest, such as international development, foreign policy, peace, and security, and on shared trade and economic objectives, as well as on the promotion of human rights, pluralism, and respect for diversity. Canada and the Ismaili Imamat enjoy a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship, including through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation Canada, both of which are strategic partners of Canada in the promotion of democracy and reduction of poverty around the world.”