“I’d arrived at the Hyatt Regency’s Imperial Ballroom to witness Nenshi being chosen as the NDP’s new leader. A few months earlier, this outcome might have shocked me as much as that first mayoral victory…here was a real, united, ambitious opposition, ready and able to contend for power not just in the next election but in any number after that….” — Chris Turner, albertaviews

Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT

Over the last three years since relocating to Alberta and my travels to provincial and national parks, I have met friendly Albertans who quickly notice my passion and love for nature as I take photographs. Often, I approach them and say to them, as if I were a full-time paid guide, “If this is your first time here, please walk 50 metres for this incredible view.” I walk them to the point that fascinates me, which would otherwise be missed due to its hidden location. They are grateful for my suggestion! They stop to talk to me, and we engage in a mutual exchange of information, often sharing about their favourite places that I should visit.

Invariably, the conversations often turn to my origins. I proudly tell them that shortly after my birth in Mumbai, my parents were offered teaching positions in Africa. Mozambique and Tanzania were my home for almost twenty years before I moved to London to study. I also tell them that some of the best national parks in Africa are in Tanzania, which is also the home to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. This is where I mention Naheed Nenshi, who served 11 years as the Mayor of Calgary between 2010 and 2021. Everyone I have met, without exception, remembers Naheed fondly and admires his leadership as a Mayor, which has left a lasting impact on Calgarians. I tell them that he was also raised in Tanzania.

I am often asked what I do. I respond that I’m retired, but my time is dedicated to three non-commercial websites. I tell them that the websites, Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, Simerg, and Simergphotos, serve as platforms to share and celebrate the rich Ismaili culture and the work of the Aga Khan, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the dynamic worldwide Ismaili community. I invite them to visit these blogs to learn more and also view my photographs of places I visit. I also share that Naheed, like me, is an Ismaili Muslim, and I encourage them to see the Aga Khan Garden when they are in Edmonton. This beautiful and serene space reflects the principles of Islamic garden design and is part of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. It was gifted to the University by the Aga Khan.

During my conversations, I gather that many know that the Ismaili community hosts a breakfast in Calgary annually during Stampede Week, which is open to everyone. They appreciate that while recognizing the excellent Ismaili community float in downtown Calgary’s popular annual Stampede Parade. All this makes me happy and proud as a member of a vibrant and diverse community with over 12,000 members in Calgary.

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As all Albertans know by now, Naheed is the new Alberta NDP leader. His party will contest the 2027 provincial election against the current Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party. I receive emails from the NDP Party almost every day, and if I were to focus my attention on them, I would not have the time to dedicate myself to my three blogs.

But I stay in touch with Nenshi’s activities. His most recent Tweet on Tuesday, February 3 — see above — still asks Albertans to buy local and Alberta-made products following President Trump’s reversal of Tariffs on Canadian exports to the USA, which would have taken effect on Tuesday, February 4.

Late last year, while browsing magazines at Indigo, I was drawn to a cover page piece on Naheed Nenshi in the November 2024 issue of albertaviews. This magazine offers a new perspective for engaged citizens. Chris Turner is the author of “MASS APPEAL: Can Nenshi Win Over Alberta?” I am delighted to provide a link to this excellent six-page article by a long-time Albertan resident who witnessed Naheed win his first mayoral race in 2010 and be chosen as the new NDP leader in 2024. I invite you to click Can Nenshi win over Alberta? or on the cover page image below.

Of course, Simerg will report about the Alberta elections in 2027. We featured an excellent piece submitted by Shameela Rawji of Calgary when Nenshi ran for the NDP leadership.

Date posted: February 4, 2025.

Featured photo at top of the post: Naheed Nenshi, then Mayor of Calgary for the 3rd term, is pictured taking a selfie at the Global Centre of Pluralism’s first award ceremony held on November 15, 2017, in Ottawa at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat Building. Nenshi served as a jury member, selecting winners and honourable mentions for the Global Pluralism Award, which was attended by the Aga Khan. Photograph: © Jean-Marc Carisse.

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