Source: National Post
On June 24, 2006 the National Post ran an editorial that commented, "The decision by Members of Parliament to unanimously support a Conservative motion to award the Dalai Lama honorary Canadian citizenship marks a welcome change in Ottawa's treatment of the exiled Tibetan leader. It is a special and high honour, one that has been bestowed only twice before, on South African leader Nelson Mandela and Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Second World War. Like those other figures, the Dalai Lama is someone all Canadians can take pride in having as a fellow citizen... The motion conferring honorary Canadian citizenship on the Dalai Lama, introduced by Tory MP David Sweet and supported by all parties in the House of Commons, does not address the question of the occupation. It is, however, an unequivocal honour for a great man in advance of his visit to Canada in September. They should go farther. The next time the Dalai Lama seeks a meeting with the Prime Minister, it should take place on Parliament Hill. Afterwards, His Holiness should be invited to address Parliament."