OTTAWA - The spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims is telling the House of Commons that he wants Canada to join him in making the world a more tolerant, peaceful place.
"Canada is a leader in the community of nations," the 77-year-old Aga Khan told Canadian MPs and senators.
He was welcomed with repeated standing ovations in the packed House of Commons. The audience included many Ismaili Muslim representatives invited for the occasion.
He paid tribute to Canada's recent gold-medal Olympic hockey victories and joked that, as an honorary Canadian citizen, he would have liked to have played for the team.
"The Dalai Lama and I would have been a formidable defence."
The Aga Khan, hereditary holder of his religious office, is a regular visitor to Canada, with his most recent trips coming in 2008 and 2010.
He was granted honorary Canadian citizenship during the 2010 visit.
The Harvard-educated religious leader spoke elegantly in both official languages.
He said his foundation would help Canada celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2017.
His speech follows a private meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper following his morning arrival on Parliament Hill.
Harper introduced him as a tireless humanitarian, lauding him for development partnerships in Africa, Asia and in Afghanistan.
"When you are in Canada, you are home," Harper said.
Harper lauded the Aga Khan saying his advocacy for tolerance and pluralism has gone "beyond words."
Harper also thanked the Aga Khan for his support to his child and maternal health initiative that he launched in 2010.
"Canadians are strongest when we have the support of those who share our values," Harper said.
"Your highness I value your counsel and your friendship."
The Aga Khan became the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957, when he succeeded his grandfather.
He oversees a number of foundations which run development projects around the world.
There are about 100,000 Shia Ismaili Muslims in Canada.