The self-governing and land claims agreements of many Yukon first nations could be important for Tibet in gaining autonomy within China, the Dalai Lama told the territory's MP Monday in Ottawa.

In a five-minute private conversation with the Tibetan spiritual leader in Ottawa, Yukon MP Larry Bagnell again asked the Dalai Lama to make a visit to the territory.

'He would love to come,' Bagnell said in an interview from the capital today, noting the Dalai Lama's interest in the self-government agreements.

The Dalai Lama is visiting Ontario this week and meeting with government leaders in addition to delivering public talks.

Last Sunday, Bagnell was part of a private audience the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet had with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 when the rebellion against China failed. He has lived in exile in northern India since.

In Sunday's meeting, the Dalai Lama spoke of the moral responsibility that should be granted to those in Burma, and the importance of the environment.

Bagnell also chairs the Parliamentary Friends of Burma organization.

The leader also said that while he supports China hosting the Olympics next year, the country should make sure its government serves as a model to the rest of the world in recognizing the autonomy of Tibet and other regions.

As for whether that can happen by next year, Bagnell said: 'China's got a lot of power, they can do anything they want.'

Meanwhile, Bagnell is also busy now as the chair of the Liberal rural caucus made up of Liberal MPs in rural ridings.

He chaired his first weekly meeting today as chair.

The caucus will focus on ensuring there's a strong emphasis on supporting rural Canadians in areas of environmental protection, agriculture, fisheries, climate change adaptation and research.