Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The majority of the Canadian Ismailis have their ethnic origin in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. Many first migrated to Canada after having lived in East Africa for two to three generations. General Edi Amin of Uganda issued his edict on August 9, 1972, and the Asians were to leave the country within 90 days. The decree of Edi Amin was a source of influx of immigrants. The Asian population of Uganda at that time was less than 100,000, of which perhaps 30,000 were Ismailis. Clearly, this was the most alarming crisis and a most serious challenge to the Imam. It however did not shatter the confidence and the faith of the Ismailis in their Imam. In three months, the Ismailis vacated Uganda, leaving behind millions of dollars in cash, real estate, household goods and other material possessions. It was through Imam's efforts, contacts and influence that a large number of the Ismailis were allowed to settle in Canada. The exodus of Ismailis opened a new phase in the history, marking the westward expansion of Ismailis. By 1975 the Ismaili community had established organized communal settlement over Canada with major settlement in Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Calgary, etc. The Canadian Ismaili community had established itself as a highly resilient community. The majority has successfully integrated themselves into the social and economic fabric of the Canadian society. The Present Imam visited Canada and arrived in Ottawa on November 12, 1978, Vancouver on November 14, 1978, Calgary on November 17, 1978, Montreal on November 18, 1978, Toronto on November 19, 1978 and departed on November 22, 1978 after giving didar to the followers.

The Burnaby Jamatkhana in Canada, a tree-lined suburb of Greater Vancouver, is the first Jamatkhana and Centre is a multi-purpose building. It cost over $. 10 million. In July 24, 1982, the Lieutenan-Governor of British Columbia, the Honourable Henry Bell-Irving, in the presence of the Present Imam, the Begum Aga Khan, Mayor Lewarne of Burnaby and other distinguished guests, performed the foundation ceremony. Besides, another Ismaili Centre is under construction in Ottawa too.