June 24, 1983
It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity of welcoming His Highness Prince Aga Khan and Her Highness Begum Salimah when they visited Toronto recently during the Silver Jubilee celebrations organized by the Ismaili community of Ontario to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his Highness' ascension as the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismailia Muslims.
His Highness' commitment and concern for the dignity of man and his significant contributions toward creating a better understanding of Islam in the West was so apparent during his recent visit to Ontario. He is a source of inspiration to the many of us in the West who have shared cherished moments with him and have come to know him. For this reason I was indeed honoured to be associated with his recent visit to the Province of Ontario.
His Highness' past visits to Ontario have contributed to our understanding of the challenges faced by people of many nations materially not as well endowed as we are here in Ontario. I believe it is through this kind of understanding that people in the western world will be encouraged to play their share of the proper role in meeting the challenges of the world community at large.
The Ismaili community of Ontario is indeed well justified in holding in high esteem their spiritual leader who has inspired this young Canadian community to become loyal, hardworking and productive citizens of this province.
I hope their Highnesses will continue to visit Ontario and inspire us with their high ideals, commitment and personal example.
Yours sincerely,
John Aird
Lieutenant Governor
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