Mr. Speaker, Tibetans have been part of Canada's fabric since the 1970s, after China's occupation of Tibet in the 1950s forced many into exile. They are guided always by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his lifelong commitment to non-violence, interfaith harmony and human rights. Today, Tibetan communities thrive in Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, Etobicoke, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.
Tibetan Canadians are caregivers, business owners, food terminal and production workers, tradespeople and professionals. A new generation is building futures through higher education and civic leadership. Tibetan democracy, a fruit of His Holiness's vision, is active and thriving, with free elections for the Central Tibetan Administration taking place in 29 countries, including Canada, in 2026.
On this Tibet Day on the Hill, let us reaffirm Parliament's 2024 motion recognizing Tibetans as a people and a nation, with the right to determine their future free of interference, including the recognition of their next spiritual leader.
As Tibetans and Tibetan Canadians continue to preserve their language, culture and identity, let us honour their example.
Tashi delek.