On behalf of the Canada Tibet Committee (CTC), I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your party’s continued support for the Tibetan cause. Canada’s principled commitment to human and political rights has encouraged Canadians of Tibetan origin, who now proudly call Canada home.
As we continue advocating for Tibet, we want to share the three priorities that will animate our advocacy work in the next Parliamentary session.
- Resumption of the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue: We urge Canada to support efforts that encourage the Government of the People’s Republic of China to return to the negotiating table with representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration. The resumption of a meaningful dialogue is essential for achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the longstanding conflict. Given the asymmetry between the parties concerned, any assistance Canada and like-minded partners can deliver will be critical.
- Support for the Right to Self-Determination of the Tibetan People: We encourage Canada to continue affirming the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination in accordance with international law. This principle lies at the heart of a peaceful solution and ensures that the voice and will of the Tibetan people are central to any future settlement.
- Protection of Religious Freedom and the Succession of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Given the centrality of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibetan life and identity, we urge all political parties to reaffirm Canada’s support for Tibetans’ right to determine, without interference, the future succession of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The Chinese government’s attempt to assert total control over this process violates the norms of religious freedom and respect for Tibetan culture and traditions. We look for Canada and like-minded partners to deliver robust statements to this effect so that the PRC can have no illusions of support.
In advancing these three areas of focus, we trust we can continue to count on your party’s support as we resume our engagement with the All-Party Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, active since the mid-80s, to create a consensual approach to the question of Tibet. We want to thank all our PFT members from the Bloc, Conservatives, Greens, Liberals and the NDP for their support in the last Parliament and to those who are standing in the current General Elections, Bonne Chance and Good Luck from the team at the Canada Tibet Committee.
Samphe Lhalungpa
Chair, Canada Tibet Committee