Although the TIBETAN COMMUNITY IN CANADA is relatively small – approximately 7500 in total – second and third generations are actively helping to preserve and promote Tibetan ethno-cultural identity in Canada through various organizations across the country.
Through the efforts of then Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney, his staff, and in coordination with the Canada Tibet Committee, Canadian Tibetan Associations, and the Office of Tibet in New York, the resettlement project agreement was finalised in 2010 and will welcome up to 1000 TIBETANS to Canada.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS between Tibet and China go back to the late 1800’s. Canada’s current position on Tibet’s political status is as follows: “Canada recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole, legitimate government of China and does not recognize the Tibetan “government-in-exile”. Canada recognizes the Dalai Lama as an important spiritual leader who earned the Nobel Peace Prize and is an honorary Canadian citizen.