Mr. Speaker, today is a global day of action in support of Tibet. Earlier today I spoke at a rally in my riding which is home to the largest number of Tibetans in Canada, most of whom arrived as refugees. They try to maintain their language, culture and religion which have been denied in Tibet.
This latest military crackdown has sadly resulted in loss of life and many hundreds in detention. China must allow entry of international human rights observers and the media into Tibet.
Tibetans are not calling for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, an honorary Canadian citizen by a unanimous vote of MPs, yesterday in a letter to the people of China reached out and extended a hand inviting dialogue. He has reassured China that he is not seeking independence, but rather, true autonomy for Tibetans.
We urge our government to keep the pressure on China to stop the oppression and begin the discussion to resolve this crisis.