Dharamshala — Mr Garnett Genius, a Member of Parliament from Canada's Conservative Party visited Dharamshala, where he met with the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to discuss human rights and religious freedom.
"I met with the Dalai Lama on Friday, to discuss human rights and religious freedom," Mr Genius wrote in his Twitter page, on January 18.
He also visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) on January 15, 2016. During his visit, he also met with members of the standing committee of the TPiE and discussed the proceedings and system of the parliament, and the policies and structure of the Central Tibetan Administration.
Genuis’ meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama was part of a five-day trip to India to take part in speaking engagements in front of university students.
“It was an honour to meet with his holiness, the Dalai Lama,” Genuis said, adding that “He is a man deeply concerned for the rights and freedoms of all people. He has an optimistic outlook and believes Canada can play a significant, positive role promoting human rights in the region.”
On November 20, interim Conservative opposition leader Rona Ambrose announced the appointment of Genuis to the role of deputy critic for human rights and religious freedoms in the Canadian Parliament.
"I was honoured to be named deputy critic for human rights and religious freedoms," Genuis said, following the appointment.
"I am honoured by the trust our new leader has put in me with this appointment, and I will diligently serve in this capacity to ensure that Canada remains a strong voice for human rights around the world."
Mr Genius is a first time member of parliament from Canada. He was elected to the Canadian parliament three months ago in the 2015 Canadian parliamentary election. This was his first visit to the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala.
