Canadian leaders are remembering the Aga Khan as “extraordinarily compassionate,” and a “very good friend” of the prime minister.
The spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims died Tuesday at the age of 88, his family announced in a statement.
Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said of the “honorary Canadian” that he was “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader, a man of vision, of faith and of incredible generosity.
“He was passionate about Canada and what we’ve been able to create here in this country,” Trudeau said.
On social media, the prime minister said the Aga Khan “devoted his life to peace and prosperity for all.”
The Aga Khan devoted his life to peace and prosperity for all. He worked across continents and cultures to resolve the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty, education, and gender inequality.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 5, 2025
He was an extraordinary man of vision, faith, and generosity, and I know…
“He worked across continents and cultures to resolve the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty, education, and gender inequality,” Trudeau wrote.
Trudeau’s friendship with the multimillionaire has made headlines in the past, and was the subject of an ethics scandal following a private-island vacation in 2016.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh offered his sympathies Tuesday, writing on X, “Today is a very hard day for Ismaili Muslims – including in my riding of Burnaby South, home to a large Ismaili community. His Highness the Aga Khan leaves behind an immense legacy of kindness, generosity, and humanitarianism.”
I'm very saddened to hear about the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) February 4, 2025
Today is a very hard day for Ismaili Muslims - including in my riding of Burnaby South, home to a large Ismaili community.
His Highness the Aga Khan leaves behind an immense legacy of kindness,…
Also among those remembering the Aga Khan Tuesday are Ralph Goodale, Canada’s representative to the Ismaili Imamat, and Amira Elghawaby, the country’s special representative on combatting Islamophobia.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to His Highness’s family, all the Aga Khan entities in Canada and the entire Ismaili community. Humanitarianism, peace, development & vibrant pluralism are among his fine legacies,” Goodale posted on X.
As Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat, I extend deepest sympathies to His Highness’s family, all the Aga Khan entities in Canada & the entire Ismaili community. Humanitarianism, peace, development & vibrant pluralism are among his fine legacies. https://t.co/wVgu6noBJT
— Ralph Goodale (@RalphGoodale) February 4, 2025
“Condolences to the Aga Khan’s family and loved ones and to the entire global Ismaili community, including Canadian Ismaili Muslims here at home,” Elghawaby wrote.
John Baird, foreign minister for Canada from 2011 to 2015, called the Aga Khan a “remarkable leader and truly one of the most impressive individuals I have ever met.” In a three-part message, Baird described the leader as among the most successful “of the past century,” praised his work as “visionary” and called him a “trusted advisor” and “cherished friend.”
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, The Aga Khan. He was a remarkable leader and truly one of the most impressive individuals I have ever met. Undoubtedly, he stood among the most successful leaders of the past century. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/AEyTvFuubj
— John Baird (@Baird) February 4, 2025
“As an honorary Canadian citizen, he embodied the very best of our country’s values… May his memory be a blessing,” the retired politician wrote on X.
Condolences 💐 to the Aga Khan’s family and loved ones and to the entire global Ismaili community, including Canadian Ismaili Muslims here at home. https://t.co/njSmFVBAzm
— Amira Elghawaby (@AmiraElghawaby) February 4, 2025
Toronto-area MP Omar Alghabra posted on social media that he was “saddened” by the news.
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of His Highness, the Agha Khan. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and to the Ismaili community in Canada and worldwide. I had the honour of meeting him on couple of occasions. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion & generosity pic.twitter.com/VO8ZuDaQfo
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) February 4, 2025
“I had the honour of meeting him on a couple of occasions. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion & generosity,” Alghabra said.
Ottawa MP Yasir Naqvi said the Aga Khan “made a tremendous impact in fostering peace,” and Toronto MP and former immigration minister Marco Mendicino mentioned the leader’s work toward “building a positive dialogue among communities.”
I am saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan. He made a tremendous impact in fostering peace and pluralism around the world.
— Yasir Naqvi 🇨🇦 (@YasirNaqviCDN) February 4, 2025
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/Uj4cvmmMRy
Very saddened to hear about the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV. He led a life based on faith, generosity and building a positive dialogue among communities. Thinking of his family and the Ismaili Muslim community at this difficult time. https://t.co/V5o17EOwg2
— Marco Mendicino (@marcomendicino) February 4, 2025
Canadian Senator Salma Ataullahjan wrote of being “struck by his kindness and passion for helping countless people worldwide,” while Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie mentioned his humanitarian work as leaving “a lasting impact on Ontario, Canada, and the world.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an exceptional leader his Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. I had the honour of meeting him and was struck by his kindness and passion for helping countless people worldwide. The world has lost a visionary leader pic.twitter.com/ElyLy2qbID
— Senator Salma Ataullahjan (@SenatorSalma) February 4, 2025
Reflecting on the remarkable legacy of His Highness the Aga Khan IV. His dedication to pluralism and humanitarian work has left a lasting impact on Ontario, Canada, and the world. My thoughts are with the Ismaili community as they honour his extraordinary life.
— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) February 4, 2025
The Aga Khan was granted honorary Canadian citizenship in 2009 and was awarded the first Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship in 2016. He and his foundation are behind North America’s first Islamic arts museum, located in Toronto, and the Global Centre for Pluralism, an independent charitable organization with a goal of tackling “injustice, inequality and exclusion.”
With files from The Canadian Press