As part of Central Tibetan Administration’s ‘Year of Gratitude’, a Thank You Canada event was held in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, on June 12, 2018.
The event began with the screening of a thank you Canada video message by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Canadian Minister of Multiculturalism, Melanie Joly, graced the event and also participated in the cake-cutting ceremony.
President of CTA Dr. Lobsang Sangay said that, “Canada and Tibet share a special relationship. The Government of Canada’s support for Tibet has always been and continues to be a non-partisan issue.” He further added that His Holiness is a proud honorary citizen of Canada.
Many Canadian Members of Parliament joined the celebrations. Current members of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet also spoke about their special relationship with the Tibetan community in Canada.
Visiting members of the Tibetan Parliament also attended the event, including Chithue Ven. Tenpa Yarphel, Chithue Migyur Dorjee, Chithue Dhondup Tashi, Chithue Namgyal Dolkar. North America Chithue Pema Chagzoetsang and Chithue Tsewang Rigzin were also present. Chithue Pema Chagzoetsang and Tsewang Rigzin both spoke on behalf of the visiting delegation and thanked Canada and the Canadian people for their support.
Around 200 people were present, including the local Tibetan community, and old and new friends of Tibet. The event saw cultural performances by Tibetan community members.
Mr. Ngodup Tsering, North American Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, concluded the event by thanking the guests for joining the celebrations.
Minister Melanie Joly, Minister of Cultural Heritage
MP Arif Virani, Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Tibet (PFT)
MP Garnett Genuis, Co-chair of PFT
MP Randall Garrison, Co-chair of PFT
MP David Sweet, former PFT Chair
Former Senator Consiglio DiNino, founder of PFT
MP Alexandre Boulerice
MP Gagan Sikand
MP Raj Saini
MP Rom McKinnon
MP Gary Anandasangaree
MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette
MP Mona Forteir