by Nathalie Trepanier - The Ottawa Citizen

OTTAWA, March 11, 1997 -- Jurme Wangda fled Tibet with his uncle about 38 years ago, when he was only 10. He left behind a younger brother and a mother he has never again seen.

But during yesterday's demonstration on Parliament Hill to mark the 38th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day, Mr. Wangda said that although his mother is no longer alive, she would be pleased by the turnout.

"The ocean is consumed by drops of water," Mr. Wangda, president of the Ottawa branch of the Canada Tibet Committee, said as he pointed to the crowd. My mother would be happy to know that although she can no longer speak, there's still a living voice."

About 90 people - more than 50 from Montreal - converged on Parliament hill to mark the anniversary and protest ongoing problems in Tibet. Any protest in Tibet is considered treasonous and leads to harsh punishment.

"We have to express our concern on (Tibet's) behalf," said Janet Manule, a Quebec resident who attended the demonstration.

The demonstrators also called on the Canadian government to implement economic sanctions against China in a bid to improve its human rights record. For 38 years, Tibet has been occupied by China, which has been accused of flagrant human rights violations within Tibet.

The recent death of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping could spark profound changes within China, and that could have consequences for Tibet.

Dr. Brian Given, a Carleton professor of anthropology who is conducting a national study of Tibet Canadians, says those changes leave room for hope.

"Deng was the primary architect of the (Chinese invasion of Tibet)," Mr. Given explained. "If people in China are serious about change we may see some improvements."

The group left Parliament Hill and marched toward the Embassy of the People's Republic of China on St. Patrick Street.

Proudly displaying the Tibetan Flag, the group began a chorus of "Free Tibet" and "Tibet for Tibetans." No one from the embassy came outside.

Malcolm McKechnie, a departmental spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, says Canada does not recognize the Tibetan government in exile, but we do recognize the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader.

"Canada is concerned about human rights in China and Tibet."

Meanwhile, in Toronto, the Dalai Lama's oldest brother, Thubten Jigme Norbu, 74 and 11 marchers began a protest march that will take them to the United Nations in New York. The 966-kilometre walk is expected to take three months.