We are pleased to advise the Jamat that, given the changing COVID regulations and environment, capacity has been increased at various Jamatkhanas in BC. This has been done in consultation with public health and health professionals to help protect the safety of our Jamat and volunteers.

Please only attend Jamatkhana if you have been allocated a spot.

If you would like to attend Jamatkhana but have not been allocated a spot, please use the Waitlist feature on the Jamatkhana Registration site. More information, along with a tutorial, can be found in this video.

If you have been allocated to attend, please arrive no later than 5 minutes before du'a for evening ceremonies, and 10 minutes before meditation end for morning ceremonies, to maintain your allocation. After this time, your spot may be reassigned to others.

Whether you have been vaccinated or not, attending Jamatkhana will require that you:

• Wear a mask at all times inside and outside Jamatkhana.
• Keep a minimum 2-metre distance from others not in their household.
• Sanitize your hands frequently.
• Avoid gathering in groups or socializing.

Please consult the Canada Jamatkhana Re-opening Page for the latest information on registration details, health and safety precautions, and more.

Please check for updates through the digital Al-Akhbar, the iiCanada App, and The Ismaili BC Facebook and Instagram pages. Please only use these official sources for communication and refrain from circulating messages from private sources.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you soon.

The Provincial Government has announced that individuals who are considered Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) will be receiving a letter by Thursday, April 15 to confirm their eligibility for early vaccination. If you or someone you know has not received the letter, but are believed to be qualified as CEV, please contact your primary health care provider for assistance.

For more information on the CEV eligibility and steps you can take to book your vaccination, please click here.

Congratulations to Richmond's Farouq Manji, who is the recipient of one of 14 provincial Medals for Good Citizenship. Farouq is a tireless volunteer and a mental health advocate, who has given his time, skills and knowledge to causes within the Ismaili community as well as the broader BC community.

Read the article on his award and work here.

BC has seen rapid and exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in the last week. New and amended public health orders are being put in place, effective at midnight on March 30 to April 19, 2021 to stop the worrying trend of transmission throughout the province.

The new orders mean:

❌ Indoor dining at restaurants and pubs is suspended.

✅ Restaurant patios, take-out, and delivery are OK.

❌ All adult group fitness classes are suspended.

✅ Individual fitness activities or one-on-one activities only.

❌ Indoor religious services are on hold.

✅ Outdoor religious services are OK.

❌ Whistler Blackcomb is closed.

✅ Stay home. Essential travel only.

✅ Work from home when possible.

✅ Only meet outdoors, with the same people and no more than ten people.

We must all do our part to keep each other safe. Learn more at COVID-19 Restrictions.

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia and all the Jamati and Institutional Leadership, I would like to wish you and your families Navroz Mubarak. In a year like no other, I am profoundly grateful for the Jamat's kindness, generosity and steadfastness in your support for each other and the wider community. I want to express a special thank you to all of our volunteers - badged and non-badged - who have dedicated their time to keeping our Jamat safe in these changing and challenging circumstances. We also pray for peace for those who have endured difficulties and lost their loved ones in Canada and around the world.

With a New Year, we have new hope. People across the province are already receiving their vaccinations - with more to come in the near future. Insha'Allah, we will be able to celebrate together, as one Jamat very soon. Until then, let us continue to remain vigilant, follow the guidance of our health authorities, and protect ourselves and each other.

Once again, I wish you a very happy, prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

Samir Manji

President, Ismaili Council for British Columbia

Daylight Savings Time 2021 will begin at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 14. Don't forget to set your clocks forward by one hour.

The Ismaili Volunteers Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness team is currently recruiting volunteers for the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver and a remote (home-based) opportunity. These volunteer roles are essential to support the Jamat’s safety and the ability of Jamati Institutions to respond to and provide timely assistance to Jamati members in the event of an emergency.

Surveillance Volunteers for the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver

The safety and security of the building and premises remain a top priority to ensure the Ismaili Centre, Vancouver can continue to fulfill its purpose and provide a safe, accessible environment for visitors and users of the building.

Flexible shifts are available depending on volunteer availability and scheduling needs. Surveillance Volunteers will conduct walkabouts and be required to monitor the premises during their shift.

Click here to view the posting.

Advanced Intelligence and Surveillance Member (Remote-based)

It is critical to stay ahead of all news alerts in order to support the Jamat in the event of an emergency. The member would be responsible for monitoring various forms of media and emergency communications and providing timely reports to the Director of Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness in the event of potential threats or risks to the Jamat or Institutional assets.

Click here to view the posting.

For more information about these and other volunteer roles visit Opportunities to Serve. Check back frequently as new opportunities regularly become available.