Canada hopes to make Suu Kyi an honorary citizen

OTTAWA: The government of Canada has proposed making Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi an honorary citizen, in an address to Parliament.

"Our government will immediately call upon Parliament to confer honorary citizenship on Aung San Suu Kyi," Governor General Michaelle Jean said in a so-called throne speech on Wednesday, setting out the government's upcoming legislative agenda.

"Her long struggle to bring freedom and democracy to the people of Burma has made her the embodiment of these ideals and an inspiration to all of us."

"A commitment to action means that Canada must make common cause with those fighting for the values we uphold."

To date, the distinction has only been confered to former South Africa president, Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet.