![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1309179960311de7a36430a936b89cef2bbc6d8c3c67db01fbde01b42285476c-1024x682.jpg\")
Actor Richard Gere, right, kisses the hand of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at an event celebrating the Dalai Lama\u2019s 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo\/Ashwini Bhatia) <\/p>\nHollywood star Richard Gere received a standing ovation from Canadian politicians during a planned appearance in the House of Commons on Monday.<\/p>\n
The outspoken actor arrived in Ottawa for a parliamentary hearing where MPs delivered an official statement on the human rights situation in Tibet.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Speaker, this year we celebrate the 90th birthday of his holiness the Dalai Lama,\u201d Liberal MP James Maloney said during Question Period on Monday. \u201cFollowing a request from his holiness to then Prime Minister Lester Pearson, the first two Tibetan refugees landed in Canada on October 15, 1970, just over 55 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSince then, Tibetan Canadians have been contributing to the Canadian economy, community and social fabric of our country,\u201d he added. \u201cThe impact of his holiness is far-reaching and his message of peace, non-violence and the pursuit of harmony and happiness is making the world a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1959, the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans were exiled and forced to flee their homes following the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s takeover of the region, which advocates say has led to a deteriorating human rights situation.<\/p>\n
Maloney welcomed visitors on Parliament Hill who came to celebrate Canada Tibet Lobby Day, an annual event that advocates for the rights and freedoms of Tibetans. He also led MPs into a standing ovation for Gere, who he called a \u201ctrue champion for Tibet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gere was sitting in the House\u2019s public gallery at the time of the statement and has previously collaborated with Maloney on efforts to support the autonomous region of China.<\/p>\n
Actor Richard Gere, right, kisses the hand of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at an event celebrating the Dalai Lama\u2019s 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo\/Ashwini Bhatia) <\/p>\n
He delivered quick remarks to reporters earlier in the day about Prime Minister Mark Carney\u2019s decision to revitalize Canada\u2019s strained relationship with China amid trade tensions with the United States.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no reason why everyone should not be talking,\u201d Gere explained. \u201cIf you look at what\u2019s happened around the world with the arrangements that the Chinese have made, they haven\u2019t turned out well for anybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I think we can be very very skeptical of those arrangements,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m more worried about the U.S.-Canadian relationship [\u2026] it\u2019s a bit strained right now, but I think we can remember that this administration is not going to be there forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gere suggested that Canada has been working to mend its relationship with trade partners from around the world, including China, following U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s decision to slap tariffs on key sectors that drive the Canadian economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gere called the move \u201cproblematic\u201d and encouraged politicians to \u201ctake a deep breath\u201d and \u201clook at things realistically.\u201d<\/p>\n