Quebec City man to become Canada's first French-speaking Muslim military chaplain

Moroccan-born JalalKhaldouneis set to become one of Canada's only four Muslim military chaplains, and the first Muslim chaplain who speaks French.

It's like a dream come true, the environmental scientist told CBC.

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Khaldounemoved to Quebec City in 2001 to do his PhD atUniversitLaval after completing his master's degree in Switzerland.

He workedin various scientific roles both at the university and for the federal government in the ensuing years. He became a citizen in 2005.

I want to share this richness with others, to show them that a Muslim is someone who is open, someone who is tolerant, someone simple, someone who is free, like you.- Jalal Khaldoune

But hewanted to do something else, he said something he considered both prestigious and a way to give back to Canada, the place he has called home for the last 16years.

"I'm completely satisfied with the life here in Quebec, so why not? I feel myself part of the country," Khaldoune said. "I can participate by helping others and also supportingpeople."

Becoming a military chaplain seemed the perfect fit, he said.

When Khaldouneenlisted,he was 40 what some mightconsider an advanced age for basic training.

"I did training with young people, and I succeeded," he said."Better than half of the platoon, believe me."

Sharing faith's richness

Khaldounewill offer spiritual guidance to members of the forces of all faiths, as well as to those who areatheistor non-practising.

"The aim is to serve everyone."

He said he's looking forward to breaking downprejudicesor poorly understood ideasof what it means to beMuslim.

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"For me, it's a richness," he said. "I want to share this richness with others, to show them that a Muslim is someone who is open, someone who is tolerant, someone simple, someone who is free, like you."

Khaldoune is now completing his master's of theology degree and will be finished in two semesters.

He will have to complete some military training after that, and if it all goes successfully, hewill receive his first posting.

He expects to be posted somewhere in Quebec, but he says it will be up to the Canadian Forces to decide where he ends up.