First Muslim mayor of large Canadian city sworn in

Naheed Kurban Nenshi is the first mayor of the Islamic faith in a large Canadian city.

Calgary’s new mayor told a crowd of adoring hundreds Monday that the new city council will try to tap the city’s new-found civic passion and not fail residents.

As he received claps, hoots and hollers normally reserved for rock stars, Naheed Kurban Nenshi told a City Hall atrium full of supporters: “We cannot let you down.”

After a winning campaign of promises to build an airport tunnel and a southeast LRT, to improve snow removal and shred bureaucratic red tape, he offered Calgarians a further pledge:

“This council will be more open,” he said, the mayor’s chain around his neck and the city’s 14 alderman at his side.

“We’ll make it easier for you to engage in our conversation. We’ll better understand your needs and your priorities and we’ll act on them.

“We’ll listen. We’ll get beyond division and individualism to work together for the best interests of all Calgarians.”

He marvelled at the election’s high voter turnout and challenged Calgarians to keep doing their part.

“Tell us when we’re devolving into the politics as usual. Tell us when our priorities are not your priorities,” he said, exhorting people to join community associations and other groups.

His speech from City Hall’s atrium staircase followed an emotional swearing-in ceremony, led by his elder sister Shaheen Nenshi Nathoo.

“As immigrants my parents have faced many challenges, many struggles, and had many difficulties,” she said, the emotional tremble in her matching the tears in many spectators’ eyes.

“But today I’m sure they will tell you it was worth every single one of them.”

Canada’s first big-city Muslim mayor used buzz around his religion as a platform to promote interfaith harmony.

His ceremony featured welcomes from Ismaili leader Mohamud Zaver, Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman and fellow mayoral candidate Wayne Stewart, an ordained Christian minister.