[Note: This speech was made by Canadian Member of Parliament Ms. Colleen Beaumier at the welcoming ceremony for walkers of SOS Global Rescue Walk at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada on September 27, 2001. MP Beaumier is also the Vice-Chair of Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Trade]

Thank you, I'm delighted to be here. I'll tell you it's a very emotional event. It's bringing tears to my eyes. When I think, all around the world this is being co-ordinated. And I'm very proud of the women that have made this walk. Oh I see a gentleman there as well. Such commitment; it's just terrific!

Today I'd like to welcome the SOS Global Walk participants, who have walked from Toronto and Montreal in a symbolic expression of support for the thousands of Falun Dafa practitioners in China, to appeal for the rescue of those practitioners, who are being persecuted for their beliefs. These two groups of walkers have responded to persecution through a peaceful message delivered on foot, with the signature of thousands of Canadians who support this worthwhile and noble effort. I would like to commend each of the participants for their commitment to Truthfulness-Compassion and Tolerance. Perhaps if we had more of that in the world we would not have had the events of last month. I would also like to extend my admiration to those individuals participating and supporting SOS Global Walk in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

The Falun Dafa spiritual movement has faced severe political propaganda and police campaigns for years. Despite being slandered oppressed, tortured, and murdered; despite mass arrests, sentences to re education through labour camps and confinement in psychiatric hospitals, practitioners have upheld their right to practise their peaceful beliefs. And those of us who espouse these beliefs must be supporting them. I support Falun Dafa and any group upholding peaceful beliefs and practises because it is the duty of every citizen of every free and just society to express their indignation towards oppression, torture, and murder. I would like to commend all Canadians who have supported Falun Dafa and these participants by offering their signatures as evidence of their indignation.

While bodies can be unjustly tortured, and minds tormented, the spirit of a peaceful individual is stronger than, and will eventually prevail over a repressive act. I think we should be reminded that it takes much more strength and much more courage to be gentle than it does to be a bully.

When your appeal today has concluded, you will embark on a journey to the United Nations in New York, where you intend on calling for an independent investigation into the widespread and systematic persecution of Falun Dafa. I would like to offer you a letter supporting this effort. I wish you well in your pursuit of justice. You will succeed because your commitment to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance has made you strong. Thank you.