From the Office of the Leader of the Opposition

Falun Dafa Association of Canada
(Address omitted)

Dear Mr. ___:

Thank you very much for your recent email message. I welcome this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

I have been following the situation regarding Falun Gong practitioners in China very closely. I am dismayed to hear reports that there has been an increase in persecution against those who follow this spiritual regimen.

I have received many letters and emails from Canadians concerned over the way Falun Gong practitioners are treated in China. As you may well know, Scott Reid, Canadian Alliance Member of Parliament for Lanark-Carleton, as well as other members of our caucus, have taken a keen interest in the safety and well-being of those detained for practising Falun Gong. I am deeply troubled over the treatment that these individuals receive and sincerely hope for a peaceful resolution that sees the human rights of those who practice Falun Gong respected.

Like you, the Canadian Alliance believes that Canada can and should play a major role in fostering and protecting human rights. We will continue to speak out against human rights abuses around the world, and will do what we can to bring pressure to bear on those governments in a way which will benefit their citizens and global neighbours.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

John Reynolds, M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
/as