Canada Aga Khan partnership focuses on housing and global development
The joint declaration, released Wednesday, builds on a longstanding partnership between Canada and the Ismaili Imamat, rooted in shared priorities around economic inclusion, global development, and community-building.
Focus on Affordable Housing in Canada
A central component of the announcement is a new collaboration to address Canada’s housing affordability crisis. The federal government will work with the Ismaili Imamat through a planned Memorandum of Understanding under the Build Canada Homes initiative.
The partnership is expected to create a pipeline of multi-generational, not-for-profit housing projects designed to support low- and moderate-income households across the country.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the initiative aims to accelerate the development of affordable housing by aligning government support with long-term investment from the Ismaili Imamat.
Canada is home to more than 120,000 Ismailis — a community that helps shape our country for the better every day.
I met with His Highness the Aga Khan in Ottawa to talk about how we can work together on our shared priorities here in Canada and around the world. pic.twitter.com/8ggrjn5bu9
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 26, 2026
Expanding Global Economic Development Efforts
Beyond housing, Canada and the Ismaili Imamat are launching a new Economic Partnership Platform to coordinate international development efforts.
The platform will formalize collaboration between FinDev Canada and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific.
Priority sectors include infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and financial systems, with both parties seeking to align public and private investment strategies to strengthen economic resilience in developing markets.
Collaboration in Syria and Emerging Regions
The agreement also highlights ongoing joint development programming in Syria, aimed at supporting recovery efforts and long-term sustainable development.
Additional partnerships are expected across Africa and Asia, focusing on economic opportunity, health, and education. The declaration notes that these efforts may involve collaboration with other like-minded countries to form broader international coalitions.
Workforce, Innovation, and Energy Priorities
Looking ahead, both sides have tasked the Canada–Ismaili Imamat Joint Steering Committee with identifying future areas of collaboration. These include:
- Education, language training, and skills development to support workforce growth
- Expanding global pathways for Canadian innovation in sectors such as agriculture, health, and climate technology
- Advancing energy initiatives in developing regions, including projects like the Ruzizi III Hydropower Project in the African Great Lakes region
The partnership aims to connect Canadian expertise with global opportunities while supporting economic development abroad.
Strengthening Institutional Ties
As part of the renewed collaboration, the Honourable David Lametti has been appointed as Canada’s Representative to the Ismaili Imamat. In this role, he will help coordinate strategic engagement across federal departments.
The Canada–Ismaili Imamat Joint Steering Committee will oversee implementation of the new initiatives and provide annual progress reports, building on a strategic partnership framework first established in 2014.
A Longstanding Partnership
The Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat have worked together for decades on initiatives spanning humanitarian aid, development finance, and cultural cooperation. The latest agreement reflects a continued focus on shared goals, including pluralism, economic opportunity, and sustainable growth both domestically and internationally.
For more stories on housing, policy, and global partnerships shaping Canada’s future, visit GTA Weekly.
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