(TibetanReview.net, Apr12’24) — The Tibet group in the Canadian province of Ontario, with its city of Toronto, home to a significant number of recent Tibetan asylees, on Apr 9 accorded a distinguished welcome to the visiting Sikyong (executive head), Mr Penpa Tsering, of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala, India. The event in the provincial parliament building at Queen’s Park, organized by the Ontario Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, was attended by a number of provincial ministers and lawmakers.
Described as an assembly of international solidarity and multicultural engagement, the event was convened by Ms Bhutila Karpoche, an ethnic Tibetan and Deputy Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker has highlighted Ontario Legislature’s dedicated efforts to support the Tibetan community. These have included the enactment of the Tibetan Heritage Month Bill, the institution of an annual internship program for Tibetan youth, and the tradition of welcoming Tibetan delegations to the Ontario Parliament. She has emphasized the provincial government’s profound dedication to multiculturalism and its staunch support for the Tibetan cause.
Notable among those who greeted the Sikyong, standing alongside the Deputy Speaker, was Hon. Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, who spoke about the province’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society that honours its rich cultural diversity. Others included Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Legislative Affairs, Municipal Affairs and Housing; Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction; Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education; Hon. MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam; and Hon. MPP Patrice Barnes.
In his turn, Sikyong Penpa Tsering shared insights into the dreams and difficulties faced by the Tibetan people, voicing appreciation for Ontario’s support and the broader Canadian society’s embrace. He lauded the bipartisan support for Tibet and underscored the critical need to challenge the PRC’s false propaganda narratives on Tibet’s history.
After the welcome meeting, Karpoche acknowledged the Tibetan Sikyong’s presence during the parliament’s Question Period, prompting all members of the assembly to rise in a standing ovation. This gesture of respect and recognition was a profound acknowledgment of Sikyong’s leadership and the assembly’s collective support for the Tibetan cause, said Canada Tibet Committee.
Canada is home to some 9,350 Tibetans, according to the country’s 2021 census, with the majority of them – numbering 6,035 in 2016 – residing in the Greater Toronto Area. Tibetans began arriving in Canada in the 1970s, with most of them being asylees in the last few decades.
(Based on canadatibet.com report)