Mr. Speaker, December 10 marks the 25th anniversary of the conferring of the Nobel Peace Prize on the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
I rise in recognizing this occasion and to express my solidarity with Tibetans in their demands for religious freedom and respect for basic human rights.
Recently I had the opportunity to lead a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians to meet His Holiness in Vancouver, where we confirmed Canada's support for the cause of the Tibetan people.
His Holiness was made an honorary Canadian citizen in 2006. Last week, I met with Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected leader of the exiled Central Tibetan Administration. He too expressed dismay at the People's Republic of China for its disregard for Tibetans' legitimate requests for freedom and the rule of law.
On behalf of the proud Tibetan-Canadian community in Etobicoke—Lakeshore and across Canada, I urge the People's Republic of China to allow Tibetans to live their lives in freedom.