Ottawa, June 16, 2023 – During his three-day visit to Ottawa, Dr. Namgyal Choedup, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Office of Tibet in Washington DC, engaged in discussions with Canadian parliamentarians and government officials, seeking their assistance in resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict.
On the first day of the visit, Representative Namgyal Choedup had the honor of addressing the caucus of the Bloc Quebecois alongside the party’s Leader, Yves-Francois Blanchet. In his address, Representative Choedup discussed the current situation in Tibet, elaborating on the vision and goals of the Central Tibetan Administration. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Tibetan language, culture, and religion in the face of the imminent threat of assimilation within Tibet. Following the caucus address, Leader Blanchet graciously hosted a parliamentary lunch, attended by MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe and CTC director Sherap Therchin. During this gathering, Leader Blanchett expressed unwavering support for the preservation and promotion of Tibetan identity, as well as endorsing the message of peace and compassion advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Additionally, MP Julie Vignola and MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe expressed resolute support for the resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict, further solidifying the commitment of the Bloc Quebecois.
Throughout the visit, Representative Choedup held meetings with Parliamentary Friends of Tibet Chair MP Arif Virani, Vice-Chair MP Garnett Genuis, Vice-Chair James Maloney and MP Matt Jeneroux to discuss necessary follow-up actions regarding the significant motion on the Sino-Tibetan dialogue and Canada’s commitment to strengthening the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetan exile community in India and Nepal.
As part of the government outreach efforts, Representative Choedup engaged in meetings with senior officials from Global Affairs Canada. During these meetings, he provided briefings on the current situations within Tibet, as well as the Central Tibetan Administration’s vision paper and matters concerning Tibet’s political and human rights issues.
The visit also involved a meeting with Tibetan youth interning for the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet and members of the Tibetan community in Ottawa. As part of the annual internship program by the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, six Tibetan youth are currently interning with MPs from various political parties.
Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup with MP Julie Vignola
Hon. Yves-Francois Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Quebecois with the Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup, MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe and CTC director Sherap Therchin at the parliamentary restaurant.
Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup with Tibetan interns of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet internship program and Phuntsok Wangmo from the Office of MP Arif Virani.
Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup with PFT Chair MP Arif Virani
Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup with MP Garnett Genuis
Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup with MP James Maloney