Dharamshala – Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Speaker of the Parliament-in-Exile congratulated MP Arif Virani on his appointment as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and thanked him for his support for justice and the Tibetan cause. Sikyong declared: "I strongly believe that you will be able to make great contributions to strengthen justice, freedom and democracy in Canada."
Arif Virani, MP for Toronto, was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 28, 2023. Tibetan leaders, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Parliament-in-Exile, sent him a congratulatory letter on July 28, 2023 and wishing him every success in his new position, and thanking him for his support for justice and the Tibetan cause, as well as for his continued support.
Sikyong wrote, "I am writing to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent appointment to the esteemed position of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. This recognition of your dedication and hard work is truly well-deserved."
"With extensive wisdom and experience in legal studies and a sharp mind, I strongly believe that you will be able to make great contributions to strengthen justice, freedom and democracy in Canada," Sikyong added.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and friendship towards Tibet and the Tibetan people. Your consistent advocacy and support have been invaluable in strengthening the just cause of Tibet, and we are truly fortunate to have you as an ally. I am sure you will ensure the continuity and vibrancy of the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet in good hands," he said.
"I look forward to collaborating with you on future initiatives," Sikyong concluded.
The Speaker wrote, "We are truly grateful to you for your consistent support towards the just cause of Tibet as a Member of the House of Commons of Canada and chair of Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet."
"This election clearly reflects your charismatic leadership quality as well as the huge degree of trust and confidence that the people of Canada have in you. As you undertake this new role, I pray and wish you the best for your noble future endeavors towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Canada," added the Speaker.
"Thank you for being a friend of Tibet and Truth! We hope you will continue to support the Tibetan cause until justice is restored," Speaker concluded.
Arif Virani is a Canadian lawyer and politician who has held the position of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada since July 2023. A member of the Liberal Party, Virani represents Parkdale-High Park in the House of Commons. Prior to his appointment as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, he held several portfolios as Parliamentary Secretary, including to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship from 2015 to 2017, and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Multiculturalism) from 2017 to 2018, to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General from 2018 to 2021, and to the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development from 2021 to 2023.
Minister Virani is one of the most unwavering supporters of the Tibetan cause and the freedom of the Tibetan people. Before the Canadian Parliament, he denounced the serious human rights violations committed by the Chinese government against Tibetans inside Tibet.
