Dharmshala (Vijyender Sharma)

 Following the Liberal Party’s victory in Canada’s national elections, Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama has sent a letter of congratulation to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

“May I take this opportunity too,” he wrote, “to express my appreciation of Canada's policy of compassionate action in taking in vulnerable refugees who have fled horrific and unthinkable conflicts in several parts of the world. As an honorary Canadian citizen myself, I feel proud of this generous, humanitarian gesture. 

  

  “During my visits to Canada over the years I have been deeply touched by the warmth of the friendship and affection that Canadians have shown me. 

“I would also like to express gratitude to the government and people Canada for their generosity in resettling Tibetan refugees since the early 1970s. I am pleased to see that, by and large, they are making a positive contribution to Canada’s richly multicultural society.” 

Dalai Lama ended his letter wishing Mr Trudeau every success in meeting whatever challenges lie ahead in meeting the aspirations of the people of Canada.  

President of Tibetan Government in exile, Dr Lobsang Sangay also congratulated Canada’s Justin Trudeau on his re-election as the country’s Prime Minister following the electoral victory of his party, the Liberals in the just-concluded Canadian general elections. 

“I, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, heartily congratulate you on your re-election as the Prime Minister of Canada and the electoral victory of the Liberal Party in the 43rd federal election of Canada,” President Dr Sangay said. 

President Sangay remembered the kindness and leadership of Canada’s 15th Prime Minister, Hon Pierre Trudeau, father of Justin Trudeau in the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees in Canada from the early 1970s onwards. 

“Carrying this tradition forward,” he said, “today under your leadership, Canada hosts the 3rd largest Tibetan refugee community outside India. Furthermore, the people and government of Canada stand steadfast in their support for the six decade-long Tibetan freedom struggle, Tibet’s pursuit of a meaningful genuine autonomy within China and a substantive dialogue with the Chinese government based on the Middle Way Approach.” 

While acknowledging the Prime Minister’s support for the Middle Way Approach, President Sangay also acknowledged the leadership of ‘The Parliamentary Friends of Tibet’ in raising the issues related to Tibet.