Ottawa, October 7, 2025 — The 5th Annual Viet Tan Luncheon Reception at Canadian Parliament Hill brought together policymakers, diplomats, and advocates to advance dialogue on human rights, democracy, and the future of Canada–Vietnam relations.
Organized by Viet Tan, this annual luncheon has become a valued tradition, offering a platform for Canadian leaders and the Vietnamese community to exchange perspectives on promoting freedom, good governance, and the rule of law in Vietnam. This year’s event was sponsored by Hon. Judy Sgro and attended by 14 Members of Parliament, representatives from the offices of Senator Farah Mohamed and Senator Duncan Wilson, and six senior government officials, including Gary Xie, Senior Policy Advisor at Global Affairs Canada.
The program was moderated by Chris MacLeod, who guided a thoughtful discussion on how Canada can align its Indo-Pacific strategy with its long-standing commitment to human rights and democratic values. Among the distinguished guests was Marc Kealey, former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister John Turner, whose participation underscored Canada’s enduring dedication to principled foreign policy.
The keynote address was delivered by Diem Do, former President of Viet Tan, titled “Canada–Vietnam Relations in a Changing Political Landscape.” In his address, Do Diem highlighted the growing economic relationship between the two nations while warning of Vietnam’s continued political repression. He cited the cases of imprisoned activists such as Trịnh Bá Phương, Đặng Đình Bách, and Lê Đình Lượng, calling on Canada to ensure that trade and diplomacy are tied to meaningful progress in human rights and rule of law.
“Canada has a choice,” Do Diem emphasized. “To engage with Vietnam as just another market, or to engage as a friend who believes the Vietnamese people deserve freedom and dignity.”
The luncheon concluded with renewed optimism and commitment. Over the past five years, Viet Tan’s Parliament Hill receptions have become a cornerstone event fostering engagement between Canadian policymakers and the Vietnamese diaspora. The 2025 luncheon reaffirmed a shared conviction: that Canada–Vietnam relations must be defined not only by trade and strategic cooperation, but by a steadfast commitment to freedom, justice, and human dignity.