By Ben Tsui
Calgary, December 8 – It was an euphoric evening of pride and honor for many Tibetans in Calgary, as elected Member of Parliament and long time supporter Jason Kenney (Canada’s Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) joined the festive celebrations hosted by the Tibetan Community of Alberta (TCA) on Saturday night, to commenorate Dalai Lama’s 18th anniverary Nobel Peace Prize award. Mr. Kenney was the minister instrumental in persuading the Canadian Parliament, including the opposition parties, to grant His Holiness an honourary Candian Citizenship in September, 2006. Throughout Canada’s entire history, only two other persons were implimented with this coveted civilian status.
“I was very deeply moved to see young Tibetan youth refugees here in Calgary being faithful to their people and to His Holiness… I made a promise to myself that I won’t forget the plight of the Tibetan people. I’ve been advocating the Tibetan cause since my days in college. I will use my opportunities as an elected official to defend the Tibetan people… and to protect the Tibetan culutre.” Kenney inspiringly continued, “I want you (the Tibetans) to understand that Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s instant, instinctive decision to honor this great apostel of peace, this champion of non-violence – was done for the right reasons… So, thank you (to) a small community that has come to Canada as refugees, with hope… thank you for already giving so much back to this country we’re helping to build – Canada… May the people of Tibet once more be free!”
White Kata scraves and small token gifts were presented to Secretary of State Jason Kenney and other visiting officials such as Conservative MP Rob Anders (Calgary West), Mr. Kenney’s Tibetan-Canadian Chief of Staff Tenzin Dargyal Khangsar (Ottawa office) and Peggy (from Mr. Kenney’s Calgary East constituency office). The ceremony was assisted by TCA President Tashi Phuntsok, Treasurer Tseyang Parhur and elder member Norbu Khangsarla. Secretary Tsering Parchang also read a message in English from the Tibetan Kashag.
“It’s very encouraging to see our present Canadian government putting so much efforts toward our Tibetan cause…”, TCA President Tashi Phuntsok commented proudly. “So, we considered Dec. 10 the greatest moment in Tibetan history because His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Peace Prize as the champion of world peace!”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December, 1989.
