Toronto, May 6th, 2023 – Today, the Canada Tibet Committee organized a workshop, intended to educate delegates attending this year’s Tibet Lobby Day. The program was divided into three comprehensive segments, each designed to expand the participants’ knowledge and expertise in lobbying.
In the initial segment, Ms. Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, shared a presentation and participated in a Q & A session. Notably, she and the team discussed the ICT’s experiences with having a Special Coordinator on Tibet issues in the United States, providing insight into the role’s practical implications and benefits. Moreover, she highlighted key lobbying objectives and divulged successful strategies from past US Lobby Days.
The subsequent part of the workshop saw Canadian consultant Jeffrey Passmore delve into the complexities of the Canadian parliamentary system. His informative discourse juxtaposed optimal practices within Canada’s political landscape against the U.S model, offering a rich, comparative perspective.
The workshop was rounded off by Sherap Therchin, the Director of the Canada Tibet Committee. He detailed the intricacies of Lobby Day 2023, focusing on the event’s structure, goals, and tactical approaches. Of particular interest was his discussion on the criteria for selecting the key ask (the appointment of special coordinator) and selecting MPs for the Lobby Day, emphasizing the importance of MPs’ involvement in relevant committees, such as the Foreign Affairs Committee or Human Rights Subcommittee.
Taking place in Toronto, the workshop was generously supported by the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Center (TCCC), with representatives from a variety of Tibetan organizations in attendance. These included TCCC, the Tibetan Women Association of Ontario (TWAO), Chushi Gangdruk Canada, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC Canada), and Students for Free Tibet Canada (SFT Canada).