It has come to the Council for Ontario's attention that Jamati members, especially elderly members of the Jamat, are being asked to participate in various investment schemes or to lend money as personal loans. These opportunities are being presented predominantly in the west sector, including inside Jamatkhanas. These opportunities may be scams and are, by nature, very risky. Members of the Jamat are encouraged to contact the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board if they require assistance in finding professional advisors with whom they can consult to assess such investment opportunities. The Jamat is further reminded that absolutely no solicitation is permitted on Jamatkhana property. If you come across suspicious or unsanctioned activity, we encourage you to contact the Council for Ontario.

Microfinance for Social Justice: How Can Microfinance Lead the Way?

Social justice will be examined through a microfinance lens at the 6th annual Summit on Saturday, October 4 at the AllStream Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Can microfinance bring social justice? You decide.  Keynote addresses will be delivered by by global trailblazers:  Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC; Rupert Scofield, Co-founder, President and CEO of FINCA International; and Marilyn Fitzgerald, PhD, author of If I Had a Water Buffalo: Empowering Others Through Sustainable Lending.

Expert panels will drill down deep into issues and topics, including:
    

•     Financial Inclusion and Social Justice: Microfinance as a Means to Human Development               
•     Using Your Investment Dollars to Support Microfinance and Poverty Reduction
•     Urban Projects: Scarborough & Detroit
•     Mining, Financial Literacy and Gender Justice
•     BRAC’s Holistic Development Model Explained
•     Sustainable Development: Microfinance and Indigenous Peoples

The MasterCard Foundation is providing financial assistance for 100 students who register online in advance to attend the 2014 Toronto International Microfinance Summit. Click here for more information.

For more information about the 2014 Toronto International Microfinance Summit, please click here.

Ontario municipal elections have been called for Monday, October 27.  The Council for Ontario encourages all members of the Jamat to participate in this democratic process and invites interested members of the Jamat who wish to volunteer with electoral campaigns at the local level to sign up by clicking here or by calling  416-751-4001 ext. 636 by Sunday, October 26. The Council will assist in connecting Jamati members with various candidates who have requested the support of volunteers.

Do you have a home, apartment, bedroom, or basement suite for rent?  Are you looking for Ismaili tenants but are not sure where to look?  The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ontario is piloting program to connect Jamati landlords with tenants. 

If you have a suitable space for rent that is at or below market rental rates, please email epbhousing@gmail.com.  A member of the EPB Ontario Housing Team will contact you to obtain additional information and will provide you with details.  This is a great way to help fill our community’s housing needs while earning rental income.