Ottawa— Canadian lawmakers have urged Parliament to officially designate 2025 as the “Year of Compassion” to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, reinforcing Canada’s long-standing support for Tibet and its people, according to Phayul.
Members of Parliament Karim Bardeesy, Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe and James Maloney made statements in the House of Commons highlighting the Tibetan spiritual leader’s global message of peace, empathy and human dignity. The call came as more than 60 Tibetan delegates from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill for Canada Tibet Lobby Day 2025.
MP Bardeesy recalled the House’s 2024 resolution that recognised Tibetans as a distinct people and nation, acknowledging their contributions to Canada and the resilience of Tibetan democracy in exile. He reiterated that the Dalai Lama’s teachings remain central to the cultural and spiritual identity of Tibetan communities worldwide.
MP Brunelle-Duceppe urged Parliament to honour the Dalai Lama by declaring 2025 as the “Year of Compassion,” stressing the need to acknowledge Tibet as an occupied land and to protect the Tibetan people’s right to choose the Dalai Lama’s successor without external interference.
James Maloney, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, reflected on the legacy of Tibetan refugees who arrived in Canada in 1970, praising the Dalai Lama’s lifelong commitment to peace, interfaith harmony and non-violence. He supported the appeal for an official national observance in 2025.
Organised by the Canada Tibet Committee in coordination with Parliamentary Friends of Tibet and various Tibetan community groups, this year’s Lobby Day focused primarily on securing Canada’s endorsement for the declaration. Delegates from Ontario, Alberta, Belleville and Ottawa emphasised that such recognition would honour the Dalai Lama’s global humanitarian work while strengthening Canada’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Tibetans.
Supporters say the proposed declaration would also reaffirm Canada’s opposition to interference in Tibetan spiritual traditions and highlight solidarity with Tibetans seeking cultural preservation, human rights and religious freedom.
