Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the House's attention to the invaluable presence of Richard Gere on Parliament Hill today. He is a staunch defender of rights and freedoms, and his fight for the Tibetan people deserves to be applauded in this House.
The year 2025 marks a historic moment: the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a man whose entire life epitomizes compassion, peace and moral courage. Today, as parliamentarians, we have the opportunity to send a clear message by making 2025 the year of compassion.
I therefore rise today in the House to call on parliamentarians to reaffirm our support for the religious freedom of Tibetans and their right to choose the Dalai Lama's successor without interference, to recognize Tibet's historical status as an occupied nation and to demand respect for human rights in Canada's international relations.
Compassion is not weakness. It is strength, courage and inspiration.