OTTAWA, June 7: Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, was honoured here Monday night with the “Companion of the Order of Canada”, the highest civilian honour. Canada’s Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson presented an insignia of Companion to Aga Khan during a ceremony at Rideau Hall here.

The citation of the Order of Canada reads: “Personifying cherished Canadian values, His Highness the Aga Khan has devoted his life to protecting the environment and alleviating human suffering due to poverty. Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims since 1957, he has guided the spiritual growth of his followers, teaching compassion and tolerance by example. In 1967, he launched his foundation, the Aga Khan Development Network, with branches in countries around the world, including Canada. Recognizing our nation’s caring spirit, he cites Canada as a role model for the world and has selected Ottawa as the home of a new Global Centre for Pluralism.”

Earlier, Prince Aga Khan performed the foundation laying ceremony of the Global Centre building here. The ceremony was attended among others by Canada’s Governor-General, high government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats and prominent members of the Muslim community. The Global Centre will be a non-denominational, not-for-profit organization with global reach.