(Clearwisdom.net) To thank the Canadian government and citizens for their sustained support over the years, especially their efforts in successfully rescuing five Falun Gong practitioners and their family members who were detained in China because of their belief in Falun Dafa, on the afternoon of October 10, 2002, Canada Falun Gong practitioners held a luncheon party at Capitol Hill in Ottawa to express their sincere appreciation.
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| Falun Gong practitioner introducing Falun Gong. A video was showed showcasing the spreading of Falun Dafa around the world | Practitioners whose family members were persecuted in China speaking out and asking Canadian people to help rescue those still being persecuted in China. | Secretary of Amnesty International Canada Alex Neve speaking at the luncheon |
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| MP Mrs. Libby Davies speaking | MP Mr. Scott Reid | Senator DiNino |
It was the first time since September 11th that Capitol Hill rented space to a nongovernmental organization. Over 30 people, including MPs from five major parties in parliament and their assistants, attorneys, NGOs and community leaders attended the luncheon. MPs Libby Davis, Scott Reid, Senator DiNiro, and Secretary of AI Canada gave speeches. Several practitioners whose family members were arrested and are being persecuted in China introduced the situations of their family members as well as the general situation of Falun Gong in China. Participants expressed their indignation toward the escalating persecution by the Jiang regime against Falun Gong practitioners. They were encouraged by the success of the rescue efforts and expressed that they will step up their rescue efforts until the day the persecution ends.
MP Mrs. Libby Davis said in her speech, "Falun Gong practitioners express appreciation for our support here today, however I want to say it is you, Falun Gong practitioners in China and in Canada, it is your extraordinary courage and strength that have deeply touched us. It is utterly important for us to use our rights that we enjoy in a democratic country as in Canada to fight for the rights of Falun Gong practitioners who are being persecuted in China. I will, as always, together with my colleagues in the Parliament, support you. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to contribute to ending the persecution"
MP Mr. Scott Reid said in his speech, "Looking at these Falun Gong practitioners that are freed through our rescue efforts, as Canadians we expect our country will welcome people like them to be as one with us and to become models of morality and courage and help us use Truth, Compassion and Tolerance to fulfill our society."
Mr. Alex Neve said, "He Lizhi was detained because he would not sell his conscience. He should be released unconditionally. Two weeks from now Prime Minister Chretien will attend the APEC meeting in Mexico. The Prime Minister must urge China to make effective and positive responses in human rights, the Falun Gong issue and the case of He Lizhi."
Senator DeNiro said, "I am very happy to see more and more people express concern and support of Falun Gong. What touched me most is that these Chinese are so brave; they resist unremittingly facing an evil government that uses guns to rule the country."
Practitioner Zhang Li spoke on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners. She thanked the Canadian government and citizens for their continuing support over the years. She told attendees that through their appeal, situations of some practitioners have improved.
Five major parties in the Parliament all sent representatives to attend the luncheon. MPs told practitioners during the luncheon that they will unite in the parliament on the Falun Gong issue and continue to appeal for Falun Gong. They will also find more efficient ways to support us.
The service staff member for the luncheon also expressed their respects. They said, "Your organization is so peaceful and noble. It is an honor to serve you."
After the luncheon several representatives granted interviews to an FGM reporter.
